Rabies Confirmed in Kitten in Chemainus: Public Health Advisory Issued

Chemainus, BC – A free-roaming kitten found in Chemainus has tested positive for rabies, prompting Island Health to issue a public health advisory urging caution. The kitten, discovered near the roadside on Chemainus Road, began exhibiting symptoms associated with rabies on July 12, just days after it was located on July 9. Test results confirming the infection were received on July 21.

Island Health has indicated that the risk to the general public remains extremely low; however, they are actively reaching out to individuals who may have had direct contact with the kitten during the critical period from July 2 to July 9. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed are encouraged to contact Island Health’s Communicable Disease Program for assessment and potential follow-up care.

According to Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Medical Health Officer with Island Health, “While rabies is a serious disease, it is important to note that the transmission to humans is rare and primarily occurs through exposure to infected animals.” Bats are recognized as the only animals in British Columbia known to carry rabies, with the province reporting only two confirmed human cases of rabies in the past century.

In the past 25 years, the majority of rabies cases in BC have originated from bats, which are susceptible to the virus but rarely transmit it to other species. The last recorded case of a domestic cat infected with rabies occurred in 2007 in the Maple Ridge area, when an unvaccinated indoor cat contracted the disease from a rabid bat.

Island Health's advisory emphasizes the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies to prevent potential infections. Although there is no legal requirement for rabies vaccination of domestic pets in British Columbia, health authorities strongly recommend it as a precautionary measure. Vaccinated pets facilitate better health assessments should they exhibit unusual behavior or symptoms.

Island Health urges anyone who interacted with the kitten or has concerns to seek advice. The health authority has reassured the public that those not involved with the kitten during the specified timeframe are not at risk and do not need to seek medical attention.

For additional information on rabies prevention and symptoms, residents can visit the BC Centre for Disease Control at bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/rabies. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of pet vaccinations and awareness of wildlife interactions in preventing zoonotic diseases, including rabies.