Another Animal Tests Positive For Rabies In Montclair (What To Know)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A skunk found in Montclair tested positive for the rabies virus, authorities announced Monday.

The Montclair Township Health Department said it was notified by the New Jersey Department of Health that a skunk found on the 100-block of Orange Road on Feb. 1 has tested positive for rabies.

It hasn’t been the first time in the recent past that town officials have made such an announcement. Other infected animals found in 2022 included:

• A skunk found on Godfrey Road on Nov. 24 tested positive for the rabies virus
• Two bats found on Garden Street (same residence) on Sept. 2 tested positive for the rabies virus
• A skunk found on Walnut Parkway on Aug. 18 tested positive for the rabies virus
• A raccoon found on Christopher Street on August 8 tested positive for the rabies virus

Here’s what Montclair health officials had to say about rabies:

“Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people. Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS. Be certain that your pets are licensed, vaccinated and up to date on rabies vaccination. Some warning signs of neurological diseases like rabies and distemper include appearing drunk or excessively wobbly, circling, seeming partially paralyzed, unable to climb, acting disorientated or mutilating itself.”

Montclair health officials said that anyone who sees an animal acting strangely – or whose pet has an altercation with any wildlife “acting in an erratic manner” – should contact the Animal Control Service Request Line immediately at 862-621-9113 to have an animal control officer dispatched.

Montclair health officials suggested people visit The Humane Society of the United States’ website for more information about rabies.

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