YARMOUTH, Mass. -- Two Cape Cod residents are receiving rabies shots after their pet cats were diagnosed with the disease.

It is the first time domestic pets on Cape Cod have ever tested positive for rabies, which is potentially fatal to humans.

Dr. Thomas Burns, president of the Cape Cod Veterinary Medical Association, told the Cape Cod Times that the discovery of the disease in two domestic animals has dire public health implications.

Burns said cats are a "perfect bridge" for disease to humans. But Burns said only about a third of Cape Cod cats are vaccinated for rabies.

He is urging residents to make sure their cats, as well as dogs and other domestic pets are vaccinated.