Mower County Farm Cat Tests Positive for Rabies

An unvaccinated outdoor cat on a Mower County farm tested positive for rabies after having contact with two people and several domestic animals.

On June 28, 2025, the cat was seen acting abnormally. Ordinarily approachable, the animal attacked a dog on the property. A bite to the dog was unknown, but scratches were observed, and the cat was seen latching its claws onto the neck of the dog. On June 29, the family’s two children were attacked and bitten by the cat. The owner shot the cat. The carcass was taken to a local veterinary clinic to be prepared for rabies testing. The cat was confirmed positive for rabies at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) in St. Paul on July 2.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) interviewed the owners and determined that the two children were the only human exposures to the cat. MDH recommended the children receive post-exposure treatment (PEP). Treatment was initiated on June 29.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirmed the dog was the only known domestic animal exposure to the rabid cat. The dog was overdue for a rabies vaccination. A booster was given to the dog on June 30. The Board advised confining the dog the dog on the property for 45 days and observing it. The remaining unvaccinated outdoor cats were not seen to have physical contact with the rabid cat while it was exhibiting signs of the virus, however it is likely they were exposed. The owner opted to euthanize the cats out of caution.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health publishes rabies alerts when a domestic animal tests positive for rabies in Minnesota. If you have questions about a suspected or confirmed rabies exposure to domestic animals, call 651-201-6808. To find information on rabies in animals, and to view a map of positive cases in Minnesota, visit our website.

If you have questions concerning rabies exposure in people, please contact MDH at 651-201-5414. 

Minnesota does not have a comprehensive statewide law requiring rabies vaccination in domestic animals. While we work to get legislation passed to protect animals with vaccinations, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health recommends all dogs, cats, ferrets, cattle, sheep, and horses be vaccinated against rabies virus. In the event an animal is exposed or potentially exposed, animals should receive a rabies vaccination booster within 72 hours of exposure.