Kitten Tests Positive for Rabies After Exposure to Skunk

An unvaccinated outdoor kitten in Clearwater County tested positive for rabies Dec. 10. The kitten was exposed to a skunk on Oct. 25, 2024. The skunk was not submitted for testing and the incident went unreported. The owners isolated the kitten at their nearby farm. On Dec. 1, the kitten climbed up the owner’s body and scratched her cheek. The next day the kitten appeared lethargic. The kitten was euthanized Dec. 3 after appearing depressed and ataxic. The North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fargo, ND, received the sample on Dec. 9 and confirmed the kitten was positive for rabies on Dec. 10.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (the Board) conducted an investigation. The owners confirmed two other unvaccinated kittens were not exposed to the skunk, but were seen around the rabid kitten. The owners elected to euthanize the remaining two kittens on Dec. 11 due to their high risk of exposure to the rabies virus. A horse on the farm may have had access to the kitten and was vaccinated Dec. 11. Five currently-vaccinated dogs were given boosters on Dec. 11 after having frequented the farm and having contact with the kittens. The Board recommended a 180-day confinement for the horse and a 45-day confinement for the dogs to observe for any changes in health or behavior.

Both owners had extended contact with the three kittens but neither reported having been bitten. Following an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the owners were advised to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

The Board 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 https://www.bah.state.mn.us/rabies/.

If you have questions concerning rabies exposure in people, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health 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.