SHARON — Officials suspect a cat that died in town Monday had rabies, and caution residents to beware of wild animals that may carry the deadly virus.
The Town of Sharon published a notice of suspected rabies on Wednesday after a cat with signs of rabies was discovered along Route 14 in the area of Quarry Road and Erad Lane.
“If this cat indeed had rabies, it means it circulated in the area,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Natalie Kwit.
Rabies is an infection of the brain that can be fatal to humans and animals who are not vaccinated. While most commonly found among wildlife, rabies can impact pets, too. By law, owners must have their dogs and cats vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian.
So far in 2026, there have been 46 confirmed cases of rabies in Vermont, according to the Department of Health. Most animals that tested positive were raccoons, with 18 cases. Bats came in second with 11 cases.
In Upper Valley Vermont towns this year there have been three positive tests — all bats — with one in Strafford on Aug 24; one in Royalton on July 7; and another in Strafford on Feb. 2.
No cats in Vermont have tested positive for rabies in the past few years, according to state records. The Sharon news release stated that rabies could not be confirmed in this particular cat through laboratory testing. In some cases, the animal is not in the right condition, said Kwit. Other times, it simply doesn’t make it to the lab.
Town officials did, however, note that the indoor/outdoor cat was not vaccinated, and it died on Sept. 14.
“Take this example mainly as a message for pet owners to keep their animals updated on vaccines for rabies,” said Kwit.
Rabies symptoms in pets may include behavioral changes or physical symptoms, such as excessive drooling. Animals tend to decline quickly once infected. While the Sharon cat never made it in for testing, according to Kwit, its clinical history, time outside and potential wounding from a wild animal made rabies a concern.
The Health Department did not test any humans for rabies as a result of this incident, but did conduct risk assessments, said Kwit, who was not able to provide further details about this specific case.
Kwit noted that cases in pets can be more concerning because there are more opportunities for interactions with humans and other domesticated animals. But those cases are also less common due to the effectiveness of vaccines.
No human has ever contracted rabies in Vermont, according to Kwit, but it’s possible. Mammals can transfer the virus to other mammals through bites, open wounds, and the eyes or mouth.
The town’s release advised residents to “keep pets indoors at night and supervise them while outside.”
To avoid contracting the disease, the Department of Health warns against approaching animals that are behaving strangely.
Those bitten by a rabid animal should wash the bite wound well with soap and water, carefully try to capture the animal so officials can test it and contact their healthcare provider. Treatment soon after exposure can prevent rabies.
The town has not released further details regarding the circumstances of this case. Public Health Officer Scott Henkels has not responded to a Thursday morning email and phone message.
The Rabies Hotline is available at 1-800-4-RABIES or 1-800-472-2437 to assist those who encounter potentially rabid wild animals.
This story has been updated with additional information.
