Rabies Outbreak in Maryland Cat Colony Highlights Ongoing Public Health Risks

In August 2024, a rabid feral cat roaming outside a Maryland hotel set off a massive public health investigation, one that would eventually span 29 jurisdictions, reach more than 300 people, and reveal just how complex managing feral cat populations can be.

The cat, part of an unmanaged colony of about 20 cats and kittens, bit or scratched two local residents before being captured and euthanized. When testing confirmed the cat was positive for rabies, health officials realized the potential for widespread exposure — especially with hotel guests, nearby residents, and even people experiencing homelessness in the area.

A Fast and Far-Reaching Response

Within days, the Maryland Department of Health, Cecil County Health Department, CDC, and local animal services launched an urgent investigation. They used every tool available, including reverse 911 alerts to nearby residents, to find anyone who might have come into contact with the colony.

Out of 309 potentially exposed people, only three were confirmed to need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the life-saving treatment that prevents rabies infection after exposure. Thankfully, no human rabies cases occurred.

Three other cats from the colony were later trapped and tested — all negative for the virus, but the investigation revealed a troubling pattern: residents in the area were feeding and informally caring for local feral cats without ensuring they were vaccinated.

Cats: The Leading Domestic Carrier of Rabies

While rabies is far more common in wild animals like raccoons, bats, and foxes, cats are the most frequently reported rabid domestic species in the United States, with 200–300 cases annually.
In Maryland alone, feral cats made up 10% of all rabid animals in 2023.

Because feral cats live near humans but often interact with rabid wildlife — and rarely receive veterinary care, they represent a unique public health risk. The CDC estimates that exposure to rabid or potentially rabid cats costs the U.S. about $33 million in PEP treatments each year.

The Challenge of Unmanaged Colonies

Managed cat colonies — those overseen by caretakers who trap, vaccinate, and sterilize cats — can help control rabies risks and reduce population growth.
But unmanaged colonies, like the one in this Maryland case, often receive inconsistent care, creating conditions where rabies can spread unchecked.

“This outbreak shows how quickly one sick cat can lead to a large-scale, resource-intensive response,” health officials noted. “Without community involvement in vaccination and management, these risks persist.”

Looking Ahead: Prevention Through Education

The Maryland outbreak underscores the need for stronger community education on feral cat management and rabies prevention.
Public health experts emphasize that feeding outdoor cats isn’t enough, cats also need vaccination and sterilization to protect both animal and human health.

As the report concludes, managing urban cat colonies responsibly isn’t just an act of compassion for the animals — it’s a critical public health measure that can prevent future outbreaks and save lives.

Read full study here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7431a2.htm#suggestedcitation