By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
MONROE — Authorities have confirmed the second case of rabies in Monroe this year.
Authorities discovered a stray cat Oct. 30 near the intersection of Schoolhouse and Mount Mills roads that tested positive for rabies, according to a press release from the Middlesex County Public Health Department.
The Monroe Animal Control Officer responded to a report that a stray cat had attacked a resident’s dog and the cat was killed during the fight, the press release stated.
The resident reported to authorities that the cat had been acting aggressively and did not appear to be fearful of humans or domesticated animals.
The county Health Department received notice Nov. 1 that the specimen’s results had tested positive for rabies by the state laboratory.
The press release also stated that the dog involved in the fight had its current rabies vaccination, but that authorities still advised the owner to get a booster vaccination for the dog.
The dog was the only reported human or animal that had contact with the cat and the Middlesex County Public Health Department has issued the owner a 45-day confinement notice for his canine, the press release stated.
According to the Monroe Police Department, a raccoon found May 29 also tested for rabies.
David A. Papi, Health Department director, said residents should report wild animals that appear to have unusual behavior, keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current, avoid contact with wild animals and to immediately report and seek medical treatment following a bite.
In a rabies prevention guideline list, the Health Department says unusual behavior that may be signs of rabies includes problems swallowing, an increase in saliva, paralysis or slow movement, a sickly appearance, aggressive or tame behavior and excited biting.
Rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all mammals and can be found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite or possibly by contamination of an open cut, according to the release.
The release also says that although bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States, New Jersey authorities find most cases among the raccoon and bat populations.
Some additional tips from the Health Department are to screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats, animal proofing homes and yards and avoiding contact as well as feeding or handling wild animals.

