A three-month-old kitten in Cumberland County was the first animal in 2018 to test positive for rabies in the Piedmont Health District, a release from the health district and Piedmont Health District Environmental Health Manager Ed Dunn confirmed Wednesday.

The Piedmont Health District’s jurisdiction includes the localities of Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties.

The release cited that the kitten, reported to be in the Clinton area of Cumberland County, located off of Route 60 close to the Powhatan County line, was sick and had been taken to the veterinarian.

The release cited the kitten was reported as testing positive for rabies Jan. 18.

“Ten persons who had contact with the kitten are receiving rabies post-exposure treatment — six from the family that owned the kitten and four from the veterinarian’s office,” the release cited. “It is likely that the cat caught the virus from a rabid wild animal such as a raccoon or skunk.”

Dunn said that there had been a total of 15 animals that had tested positive for rabies in the district in 2017. He said seven of the animals had tested positive in Buckingham, none had tested positive in Cumberland and a skunk had tested positive in Prince Edward.

“We have tested probably a hundred animals,” Dunn said, “but there were 15 that came back rabid.”

The release cited vaccinating pets and animals against rabies and keeping pet food or garbage in the home as ways to help prevent the spread of rabies.

“If you or your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal or you get a wild animal’s saliva or brain tissue on you, report it to the Health Department and Animal Control immediately, and seek medical attention,” the release cited. “Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, ferrets and most livestock with a rabies vaccination. Have your veterinarian vaccinate your pets and selected livestock, and keep them up-to-date. Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property, and do not let pets roam free. Also, do not leave garbage or pet food outside, as it may attract wild or stray animals.”