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Full Version: Pet cat tests positive for rabies in Southern Alberta
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An indoor/outdoor pet cat in Southern Alberta has tested positive for rabies. It seems to be the bat strain of rabies. The humans and other animals in the household are being treated and should be alright. So everything is under control....or is it.

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/cat-tests-posi...13999.html

There are not a lot of cases of rabies in Alberta or anywhere else in North America. So it doesn't seem to be a major problem. 
However, the cat that tested positive for rabies is now dead and it may have infected other unknown animals before it was tested.    
                    So: WHY WASN'T THE CAT VACCINATED!

We can't prevent the spread of rabies if people don't vaccinate their pets. 
There is no cure for rabies. Once the disease develops there is no hope. 
Early response after a bite with multiple vaccinations can prevent the disease from developing. Treatment has to be started quickly. There is always a chance of encountering a rabid animal. People who work with wildlife are usually vaccinated for rabies.
If you let your pet outside where it can encounter a rabid animal, at least vaccinate it to protect yourself. You should want to vaccinate the pet to protect the pet, but a selfish reason for vaccinating is still going to protect the pet.

Alberta is just one place where rabies has been found. It also occurs in Southern Ontario. There are not many cases, but given the extreme nature of rabies there is no excuse for failing to vaccinate.