The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking anyone who may have recently come in contact with a solid black shorthair kitten (approximately 8-10 weeks old) in the parking lot of the Westfield Annapolis Mall, 1040 Annapolis Mall, in Annapolis, Maryland 21401. The feral kitten, which was found at the West Street entrance to Sears at the Mall on August 5, 2009, tested positive for rabies. Anyone who handled or fed a cat fitting this description or handled any other stray cats in that vicinity within the past two weeks should call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health without delay at (410) -222-7256 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and (443) 481-3140 after business hours. Anyone whose pet was bitten or scratched by the cat should call County Animal Control at (410) 222-8900. Rabies is a fatal disease spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal. It is also spread when the infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal. Preventive treatment (vaccines) might be required for anyone who handled or fed the kitten, and treatment must be started as soon as possible. The Department of Health advises County residents not to feed stray or wild animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current. | 
