Skunk Found In Montclair Tests Positive For Rabies

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A skunk found in Montclair last week tested positive for rabies, town officials announced Thursday.

The New Jersey Department of Health notified the town’s health department that a skunk found on Walnut Parkway on Aug. 18 tested positive for the rabies virus, officials said.

According to a municipal advisory:

“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 added:

“If you notice an animal acting strangely or if your pet has an altercation with any wildlife acting in an erratic manner or if you find a bat in your bedroom during overnight hours, please contact the Animal Control Service Request Line ASAP at 862-621-9113 to have an ACO dispatched.”

Earlier this month, a raccoon with rabies was found on Christopher Street in Montclair. Read More: Rabies-Infected Raccoon Found In Montclair; Town Issues Advisory

Montclair township officials recommended that people visit the following website for more information about rabies. Read More: Montclair Shelter Gives Safety Tips For Pets After Rabid Raccoon Found

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