Kansas Klips

Rabies confirmed

TOPEKA—The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment together advise Kansans to be alert to the human health risk caused by unvaccinated animals following a second detection of rabies in a cat in the last two weeks, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The two cases were in Jewell County and Harvey County, and both involved outdoor cats, which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans. Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year and several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases in September were in unvaccinated outdoor barn cats. Even if an animal is kept indoors, ensuring their vaccination against the virus is up-to-date serves as an important barrier if they are ever exposed to a wild or stray animal that could be carrying the disease. Those who have barn cats should have them vaccinated against rabies. If you notice unusual behavior in your animal or you think your animal may have had contact with rabid wildlife, it is important to contact your veterinarian to determine the following steps to take. If you are bitten or scratched by a cat or any animal you think might have rabies, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and get medical attention immediately. Many Kansas cities and counties have vaccination requirements; know what is required in your community and contact your veterinarian for more information about rabies vaccination. (Hays Post)

Small earthquake shook north-central Kansas

DICKINSON COUNTY—A small earthquake shook portions of central Kansas just before 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 10th. The quake measured a magnitude of 3.5, according to the U. S. Geological Survey, and was centered approximately three and one-half miles west of Woodbine. The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office received no calls about the quake. (Hays Post)

Kansas zoo euthanizes ten-year-old African lion due to declining health

GARDEN CITY—The Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City said ten-year-old African lion Asani was put to sleep on Tuesday, October 8th. He started displaying neurological symptoms in September but was largely unresponsive to treatment. His condition drastically declined in the last few days of his life, “forcing the difficult decision to be made to humanely euthanize him due to his quality of life.” Preliminary necropsy results point to meningitis as the cause of his neurological issues. Asani came to the Zoo in 2016 with his brother, Bantu. Bantu and lions Razi and Amali continue to reside at the Zoo. Lions are the second largest of the “big cat” species, second only to the Siberian tiger in size. Over roughly the last 30 years, the African lion population has been cut nearly in half, with just 20,000-30,000 remaining. (KAKE)

McPherson County Courthouse evacuated due to bomb threat

MCPHERSON COUNTY—The McPherson County Courthouse, 117 North Maple Street in McPherson, was evacuated Thursday afternoon, October 10th, due to a phone threat, according to a social media report from police. A McPherson County District Court employee received a call at 2:42 p.m. that a bomb was set to go off in three minutes. Courthouse employees evacuated the building, and McPherson Police Officers, McPherson County Sheriff’s Deputies, and the McPherson Fire Department searched the area for anything suspicious. The roads around the courthouse were closed, and police asked the public to steer clear of the courthouse. No items were found, and the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office released the McPherson Police Officers at 3:29 p.m. (Hays Post)