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Several recent reports of cats displaying symptoms consistent with rabies have raised alarms in Havana.
The organization BAC-Habana (Animal Welfare Cuba) warned this Thursday on Facebook about the emergence of unusual behaviors in felines that could indicate the presence of the virus, and made an urgent call to act with prevention and responsibility, without fostering fear or rejection towards animals.
BAC explained that all the alerts received in recent days involve cats and requested that people be vigilant for signs such as sudden aggression, excessive drooling, disorientation, abnormal meowing, seizures, difficulty swallowing, and evasive or violent behavior.
In the presence of any of these symptoms, the organization recommended not to touch the animal, avoid any attempts to capture it, and immediately contact a veterinary clinic or the Zoonosis department.
“Rabies is a serious and deadly disease if left untreated, but completely preventable if action is taken with awareness,” BAC insisted in a statement.
He also reiterated that cats are not to blame; they are victims, and that rabies is not fought with fear or mistreatment, but with education and vaccines.
As part of its recommendations, BAC emphasized the importance of annually vaccinating all cats, including those that do not go outside, avoiding contact with unknown felines, and not allowing unvaccinated animals to roam freely.
They also urged citizens to share verified information to prevent unnecessary panic and unjust stigmatization.
BAC-Habana concluded its message by reiterating that "cats deserve care, respect, and protection."
They also insisted: "Anger is not defeated with mistreatment, but with education, prevention, and responsibility."
Although rabies is preventable, its occurrence in urban animals poses serious public health challenges, especially when there are no effective vaccination campaigns or systematic health controls, as is the case in Cuba.
It is not the first time the country has faced similar situations. In the east, an outbreak of rabies in Holguín was triggered by the attack of a cat on three individuals, prompting an increase in epidemiological surveillance in the area.
In Havana, there have also been concerning incidents, such as that of a rabid dog that attacked a person and other animals, generating fear among residents due to the lack of official control.
The most severe case in the last decade was a possible human rabies event that allegedly caused the death of two people after being bitten by a stray cat, highlighting the structural flaws in immediate care and the tracking of outbreaks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rabies in Cats and Animal Welfare in Cuba
What are the symptoms of rabies in cats?
The symptoms of rabies in cats include sudden aggression, excessive drooling, disorientation, abnormal meowing, seizures, and difficulty swallowing. If any of these symptoms are observed, avoid contact with the animal and immediately contact a veterinarian or the Zoonosis department.
How can rabies be prevented in cats?
Rabies in cats can be prevented through annual vaccination of the animals. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid contact with unknown felines and not to let unvaccinated animals roam freely. Education and responsibility are key to preventing this disease.
What actions is the organization Bienestar Animal Cuba (BAC) taking to combat animal abuse on the island?
The BAC organization has launched an international project aimed at ending the impunity of animal abuse in Cuba by gathering evidence and sending legal files to consulates and international prosecutors. This could impact the immigration status of those involved in cases of animal cruelty. Furthermore, BAC conducts independent research on veterinary clinics and promotes education on animal welfare.
What is BAC doing in response to potential rabies outbreaks in Havana?
BAC warns about unusual behaviors in cats that could indicate the presence of the rabies virus. It recommends not to touch suspicious animals and to contact the relevant authorities to manage the situation safely and responsibly.
What legal measures exist in Cuba to protect animals from abuse?
Since 2021, Cuba has the Decree-Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare, which prohibits mistreatment and the commercialization of animals without authorization. However, there is a consensus among activists that the legislation is ineffective, and harsher penalties are needed to truly protect animals.
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