Rabid Cat Reported In East Brunswick, Attacked A Resident

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - A stray cat has tested positive for rabies in East Brunswick. The cat had attacked a resident on Friday, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services said Tuesday.

The cat was found in the vicinity of Riva Avenue and Ved Mandir Drive.

On Friday, an East Brunswick resident was attacked by a stray cat that was living on their property. The animal was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and was taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing, officials said.

On Tuesday, the animal tested positive for rabies.

According to officials, there was one human exposure, and around 10 other cats were possibly exposed to the animal.

Animal control officers will be following up on those exposures. This is the second rabid animal reported in Middlesex County and the first this year in East Brunswick.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality.

Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department.

Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to the local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite or possibly by contamination of an open cut.

Here are some rabies prevention guidelines.

1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts and scratches with the saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior. Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

• Move slowly

• May act as if tame

• Appear sick

• Have problems swallowing

• Have an increase in saliva

• Have increased drooling

• Act aggressively

• Have difficulty moving

• Have paralysis

• Bite at everything if excited

Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call their local animal control officer or local police department.

3. Ensure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. If unsure, please call your veterinarian. Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.

4. Animal-proof your home and yard. Make sure all garbage containers have tight-fitting lids. Do not leave pet food or water outside. Do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment. Keep the yard free of garbage and debris.

5. Do not feed or handle wild animals.

6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.

7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.

8. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services will continue to work with local partners to monitor the situation and will provide information when updates are available. For additional guidance and information for residents, please contact the Middlesex County Office of Health Services at 732-745-3100.

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