By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK — A rabid bat that was found inside a house on Beck Court in the Kendall Park section of the township last week has tested positive for rabies, making it the second rabid bat found in South Brunswick this month.
The bat was found inside the house Aug. 18 at 9:30 p.m., according to South Brunswick Township officials. The animal control officer turned the bat over to the New Jersey Department of Health for testing on Aug. 19, and the South Brunswick Township Health Department was notified Aug. 20 that it had rabies.
Earlier this month, a bat that was found in the vicinity of Blackhorse Lane and Henderson Road in Monmouth Junction also tested positive for rabies. The New Jersey Department of Health notified the South Brunswick Township Health Department of its findings on Aug. 14.
The South Brunswick Township Health Department has recommended several preventative measures that should be taken, including vaccinating all pets against rabies and keeping those vaccinations current.
Unusual behavior of stray or wild animals should be reported to the South Brunswick Township Animal Control officer. No one should feed or touch wild animals. Avoid contact with stray pets.
Bites from wildlife as well as from domestic pets should be reported immediately to the township Health Department at 732-329-4000, ext. 7237 during business hours, or to the South Brunswick Township Police Department at 732-329-4646 nights, weekends and holidays.
