“The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is investigating a confirmed case of rabies in a kitten that was housed at the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF).
The kitten developed neurological symptoms and was humanely euthanized on July 27. Laboratory testing confirmed rabies on July 28.
Prior to transport to a veterinary clinic, one ACARF staff member sustained a bite from the kitten. That individual has begun rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as recommended.
Public health officials immediately initiated an investigation to identify any additional people or animals who may have been exposed. At this time, no exposures involving the general public have been identified.
Animals that may have had contact with the kitten are currently under quarantine and are being monitored in accordance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment guidance. As part of the ongoing investigation, the kitten’s littermate is scheduled to be humanely euthanized and submitted for rabies testing due to its known exposure history. This precautionary measure is consistent with public health and veterinary recommendations. Results will be shared as appropriate once they become available.
Through the investigation, it was determined that the kitten’s mother had reportedly been exposed to raccoons before she died. No additional human or animal exposures associated with the mother cat have been identified.
ACARF has been fully cooperative throughout this investigation. Their staff acted promptly when the kitten became ill and have worked closely with public health officials to identify potential exposures and implement recommended control measures.
ACARF is temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution while public health officials and KDHE complete the investigation and oversee the management of potentially exposed animals. The facility will remain closed until KDHE determines it is safe to resume normal operations. This temporary closure is a precautionary public health measure and does not indicate an increased risk to the general public.
Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. However, it is preventable when prompt medical care is received after an exposure.
Anyone who believes they may have had direct contact with this kitten or who was bitten or scratched by the animal should contact the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department immediately at (620) 365-2191.
There is currently no evidence that the general public is at increased risk. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be shared if circumstances change.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened?
A kitten housed at the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) developed neurological symptoms and was humanely euthanized on July 27, 2026. Laboratory testing confirmed rabies on July 28, 2026. The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department immediately began an investigation in coordination with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), ACARF, and local veterinary partners.
Is the public at risk?
Based on the investigation to date, there is no evidence that the general public was exposed. Known human and animal exposures have been identified and are being managed according to public health recommendations. If additional exposures are identified, those individuals will be contacted directly.
How did the kitten become infected?
The investigation determined that the kittens’ mother had reportedly been exposed to raccoons before her death. The kittens were later brought to ACARF. At this time, no additional human or animal exposures associated with the mother cat have been identified.
What is being done to protect the public?
Public health officials have:
- Conducted an investigation to identify potential human and animal exposures.
- Assessed ACARF staff for potential exposure and provided recommendations for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when appropriate.
- Coordinated quarantine and monitoring of potentially exposed animals.
- Continued to work closely with KDHE, ACARF, and local veterinarians throughout the investigation.
Has anyone been exposed?
One ACARF staff member was bitten while transporting the kitten to the veterinary clinic and is receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). No additional public exposures have been identified at this time.
Why is ACARF temporarily closed?
ACARF is temporarily closed while KDHE oversees the investigation and management of potentially exposed animals. The facility will remain closed until KDHE determines it is appropriate to reopen. This temporary closure is a precautionary public health measure to ensure all recommended steps have been completed.
What about the other animals at ACARF?
Cats and kittens that may have had contact with the rabid kitten are under quarantine and are being monitored in accordance with public health and veterinary guidance.
Why is the sibling kitten being euthanized?
The littermate had a known exposure to the same source of infection and has also been exposed to a confirmed rabid animal. Following public health and veterinary recommendations, the kitten is being humanely euthanized and submitted for rabies testing. This does not mean the kitten has tested positive for rabies. Testing is being performed to determine whether infection occurred.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is spread through the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. However, prompt medical treatment after an exposure is highly effective at preventing illness.
How can people protect themselves and their pets?
SEKMCHD encourages everyone to:
- Keep dogs, cats, and ferrets up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Avoid contact with wildlife and unfamiliar animals.
- Do not handle animals that appear sick or are behaving unusually.
- Report unusual animal behavior to local animal control or a veterinarian.
- Immediately wash any animal bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.
What should someone do if they think they were exposed?
Anyone who believes they had direct contact with this kitten or was bitten or scratched by the animal should contact the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department immediately for an exposure assessment (620)365-2191. Public health staff can determine whether additional medical evaluation or rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended.
When will ACARF reopen?
The facility will reopen only after the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determines that all appropriate public health and animal health measures have been completed. SEKMCHD and ACARF will provide updates as more information becomes available.
