Cook County Issues Cautionary Rabies Alert

Cook County Animal and Rabies Control urges Cook County residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies after a kitten tested positive for rabies in Carroll County IL. 

“Finding rabies in cats is unusual and Cook County Animal and Rabies Control wants to make sure all domestic animals are protected against the disease, which can be fatal,” Animal and Rabies Control Administrator Dr. Donna Alexander said. “Pet owners should not panic, but should take precaution to protect their pets.”

A total of 18 bats have tested positive for rabies in Cook County this summer.

“This is not an unusual number at this time of year, but pet owners should make sure their indoor cats are vaccinated. The small brown bat is the major carrier of rabies in Illinois and is small enough enter a home through a crack or small opening.  A curious cat may come into contact with the bat,” Alexander said.

Last year, 23 bats tested positive for rabies in Cook County.

Residents should also be cautious around stray animals, outdoor animals and wildlife, and prohibit pets from roaming outside.

A number of Cook County’s low-cost rabies vaccine clinics remain this season. The full schedule is available on the Cook County website. 

The cost of a one-year rabies shot  at the rabies clinics is $7 for dogs and cats and a three-year rabies shot is $21. Ferret vaccines, which last one-year, are $9. Only rabies vaccinations will be available at the low-cost rabies vaccination clinics.