This story was produced by the Berks County bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom. Sign up for Good Day, Berks, a daily dose of essential local stories at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks.
READING — Rabies cases in Berks County have nearly doubled over the past three years, yet residents exposed to the virus may struggle to find answers to basic questions: Which agency handles rabid feral cats? Who shows up when an animal attacks? How can I confirm if the animal that bit me is positive for rabies?
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will assist when a wild animal is involved. The system for pets and feral cats is not as straightforward, which is why we compiled this guide.
To trap a feral cat suspected of rabies:
- The Animal Rescue League of Berks provides full animal control services free of charge in six municipalities: Bern Township, City of Reading, Jefferson Township, New Morgan Borough, Upper Bern Township, and Wyomissing Borough.
- Private companies, including Seitz Wildlife or Humane Wildlife Removal, provide animal control services at a fee.
- Groups that work to spay and neuter feral cats — including Berks Community Cats, Berks Cats in Crisis, No Nonsense Neutering, The Nobody’s Cats Foundation, Fairchild “Feral Friends” Foundation, and Helping Hands for Animals — can help locate resources to humanely trap and test possibly infected cats. You can also borrow traps from Humane Pennsylvania.
To test a domestic animal showing signs of rabies:
- The state Department of Agriculture’s lab in Harrisburg accepts animal carcasses, prepares samples, and tests for rabies free of charge. The specimen must be sealed and properly refrigerated. The lab is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The state Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services, through its main line at 717-772-2852, can direct people to a veterinarian on-call who can provide information. Regional offices can also have staff available during work hours who can answer questions. The department also publishes an informational brochure.
- For people who live outside its coverage area, ARL can euthanize an animal under 20 pounds for $100 and $150 for animals larger than that. It will do specimen prep and testing for $250. However, the decision whether to accept the animal is at their discretion, depending on staff availability.
- If the animal is alive and in a trap, experts say the best option is to go to your nearest veterinary clinic, where a medical professional can prepare and submit a specimen for testing. Prices for services vary according to each clinic.
- 24-hour animal clinics include BluePearl Pet Hospital in Wyomissing, Eastern PA Veterinary Medical Center in Allentown, and Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Whitehall Township.
If you or someone else has been bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of rabies:
- Wash the wound with soap and water. Seek medical help immediately, and contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
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