There is an emergency rabies alert being issued, as the Appalachian District Health Department is seeking a group of three females who might have been exposed to the deadly disease.  The three were seen in a Ford F150 truck, either green and tan or brown and tan in color, women who left a thin, black and brown striped cat last Thursday, July 12th  approximately 4:30pm at the Kangaroo gas station and convenience center at State Farm Road in Boone. The release says this cat was later taken to the Watauga Humane Society and soon after tested positive for rabies. The bulletin says it is critical that these three women—and anyone else who may have come in contact with this animal between the dates of June 29th to July 15th to contact the Watauga County Health Department immediately for a rabies risk-assessment at 828-264-4995. Their release goes on to say that rabies is a terrible, but preventable disease, and contact with stray animals may put you and your family at risk.  If you determine there is a stray animal in your area, contact your animal control office for further guidance. It is best to be cautious and avoid direct contact with stray animals. Even when a pet may look healthy, the risk of rabies may still exist. Please spay and neuter your pets and keep their rabies vaccination up to date.