HILLSBOROUGH: Three rabies cases in six days

Health department urges public to be vigilant, cautious

The Hillsborough Health Department says there have been an unusual number of animals that have tested positive for rabies between Aug. 15 and 20 in Hillsborough Township. The department issued an advisory to be aware of rabies and to take precaution.
   A rabid skunk was found on Brook Drive on Aug. 15. Another rabid skunk was found at the Royce Brook Golf Course on Aug. 20. There was also a rabid cat behind the Goodyear on Route 206 on Aug. 20 (this was a young cat which was white with patches of tiger markings, with short hair).
Rabies is present in the wildlife population in New Jersey, and it can be transmitted to people and pets.
If you were in contact with one of these animals, please call your physician immediately. Contact the Hillsborough Health Department at 908-369-5652 (or via police during off hours at 908-369-4323) with questions or concerns.
Rabies is a virus which is present in the saliva and central nervous system fluids of infected animals. Any mammal can carry rabies, but mostly bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, sometimes groundhogs and feral cats can carry rabies. Rabid animals can exhibit aggressive behavior, or they can behave in a very docile way. They may make strange noises or stumble, walking funny. However, you can’t always be sure an animal is rabid just by its appearance.
    Rabies is almost always fatal unless treatment begins right away, before symptoms start. The following precautions should be taken:
•  Make sure that your pet has a current rabies vaccination
•  Do not handle any wildlife
    •  Do not handle cats or dogs you are unfamiliar with unless the owner advises you that the animal has a current rabies vaccination and gives permission.
   •  Do not feed wildlife.
•  Do not feed pets outdoors. If this is not possible, remove food immediately after
feeding and clean up the area.
•  Keep dumpsters and garbage cans closed tightly.
•  Do not handle your pet without gloves for at least 4 hours after contact with a possibly rabid animal.