AUBURN, Ala. - (WRBL) Health officials are working to unravel a potential mystery behind the location of a litter of kittens, one of whom tested positive for rabies, as they continue efforts to track potential exposures in a heavily populated area of Auburn. A rabies health warning was issued this week for residents, workers, and shoppers in the vicinity off East Longleaf Drive near South College Street, where the litter was initially believed to have been found. However, as of Friday morning, Opelika veterinarian and rabies officer Buddy Bruce told WRBL the exact origin of the kittens remains unclear. WRBL has since updated our article based on the new information.
Dr. Bruce explained the person who brought the kittens to the Lee County Humane Society may have either come from Tuskegee, Alabama, or discovered the kittens in the Auburn area, where the initial health alert was issued. Despite ongoing efforts, health experts have not yet located the individual, making it difficult to pinpoint the precise area where the kittens were found and assess the full scope of potential rabies exposure.
“At least 17 people have been exposed to the rabid kitten and its litter,” Dr. Bruce said. “One kitten is still unaccounted for, and it’s crucial anyone who had contact with these animals seeks medical attention immediately.” He emphasized the urgency of tracking down the individual who brought the kittens at the shelter to better understand where they may have originated and prevent further exposures.
The case’s ambiguity has raised concerns among Auburn residents, especially those near East Longleaf Drive, a high-traffic area with student housing, single-family homes, and retail outlets, including Walmart. This area is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, increasing the risk of human contact with stray animals.
ADPH continues to distribute flyers in the area, warning residents to exercise caution and keep pets vaccinated. According to Alabama state law, dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age must be current on rabies vaccinations. Dr. Dee W. Jones, Alabama’s State Public Health Veterinarian, stressed the importance of preemptive vaccination, stating that it “not only protects the animal; vaccination protects people as well. Rabies positives have been found in both domestic animals and wildlife very close to populated locations.”
In addition to vaccination, ADPH advises area residents to follow these precautions:
- Keep pets confined to a fenced area or on a leash.
- Avoid leaving uneaten pet food or scraps around the home.
- Do not feed or keep wildlife as pets.
- Avoid approaching animals that are behaving unusually.
- Teach children to steer clear of any stray or wild animals, regardless of behavior.
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