North Brunswick bat tests positive for rabies
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - A live bat tested positive for rabies after being found on Nathan Drive on May 29.

A resident alerted police about the presence of a bat, which was picked up by Jay Carroll, the township animal control officer. The specimen was tested at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Laboratory and the positive result was reported on May 31.

This is the fifth rabid animal reported in Middlesex County this year, coming just days after a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Monroe Township.

"The Middlesex County Public Health Department continues to monitor rabies cases within the county. Residents should remain vigilant of wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior and have their pets receive their rabies vaccination. Additionally it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible," said David A. Papi, the director/health officer of the health department.

Any residents who think they, their family members or their pets may have come in contact with the bat should contact their physician as soon as possible. If you have questions about rabies, please contact the Middlesex County Public Health Department at (732) 745-3100.

Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite or possibly by the contamination of an open cut. Bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States, according to the health department.

To prevent the transmission of rabies, the department recommends immediately reporting a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department. The wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water as soon as possible. Contamination of open cuts or scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

Immediately report any wild animal showing signs of unusual behavior, including slow or difficult movements, a sickly appearance, problems swallowing, an increase in saliva, increased drooling, aggressive behavior, paralysis or excessive biting motions. Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call their local animal control officer or local police department.

In addition, all family pets should be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Contact the North Brunswick municipal clerk's office at (732) 247-0922 ext. 470 or a local veterinarian.

In addition, outdoor areas should be animal-proofed. Garbage containers should have tight fitting lids and pet food and water should not be left outside. Vents and other areas that could provide shelter for bats should be screened off. Wild or stray animals should not be fed or handled.

Additional information can be obtained from Jim Dowd, the risk communicator for the county health department, at (732) 745-3100.