Coyote Tests Positive For Rabies After Attacking 2 In Bergen County: Officials

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A coyote that was captured after two people were attacked in Saddle River last week has tested positive for rabies, said officials.

The Northwest Regional Health Commission sent a notice to local officials in Bergen County late Tuesday informing them of the test results.

Late last week, two people were attacked by coyotes in Saddle River while walking their dogs, police said.

Police and animal experts captured and euthanized one coyote, and found another dead.

Police had said that last Thursday, a resident from the area of Chestnut Ridge Road and Werimus Road told police he was attacked by a coyote while walking his dog. Then, Friday morning, a worker in the area of Chestnut Ridge Road and North Church Road was attacked by a coyote, also while walking a dog.

"During the investigation, two coyotes were located, one already deceased and one that was acting abnormally and was euthanized," the police reported Friday.

Rabies Found

Animal experts tested the coyotes for the fatal virus and reported the results on Tuesday.

"Tyco Animal control was notified by the testing laboratory that one of the coyotes sent for testing has tested positive for rabies," said the Northwest Regional Health Commission, in a message. "Please continue to use caution, especially in the area of Chestnut Ridge Road/Werimus Brook Road/North Church Road. Any sightings of animals that are acting abnormally, appear sick or aggressive should be immediately reported to [the] police department and animal control for investigation."

Rabies is an almost always fatal disease spread from animals to humans by saliva.

Any person bitten or scratched by a rabid animal must get treatment immediately to survive.

Rabies is rarely found in coyotes, experts have said.

"It is unknown if any public threat continues in the area, but we will maintain a presence in the immediate area and continue observation for any sick or aggressive animals," said the Saddle River police.

The presence of rabies in the coyotes means it may have spread to other creatures in the area.

The Northwest Regional Health Commission gave this advice to residents regarding themselves, their families, and their pets:

• Residents should check their pet’s vaccination and health records and make sure they are current. Rabies vaccination of dogs and cats offers a high level of protection against the virus.
• Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days afterward. Newly vaccinated animals, and those too young to get the shot (less than three months of age) should not be outside unattended.
• Avoid wildlife and animals you do not know.
• Keep your pet on a leash.
• Never feed or touch wild or stray animals, especially stray cats, bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes or groundhogs.
• Teach your children to tell you if they were bitten or scratched by an animal. Call your doctor and the local health department if bitten or exposed to saliva or blood of a wild or stray animal. Contact your veterinarian if your pet was exposed to a bat, raccoon, skunk or other wild carnivore.
• If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. Please notify the Police Department.
• If you believe your pet has had an encounter with wildlife, consult your veterinarian immediately.
• It is extremely important that pets be kept up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinating your pet is the first line of defense for your pets and your family from this fatal disease.

According to the CDC, rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the CDC from New Jersey occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, and bats.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death, the CDC says. Early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to those of other illnesses, including fever, headache and weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear.

The Saddle River NJ Police can be contacted at 201-327-5300 in an emergency. The Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission can be contacted at (201) 445-7217.

Other Information

Another coyote was captured in Bergen County earlier this month. Bergen County Animal Control said that a coyote was found unconscious after accidentally eating poison, and is now fighting her way back to health.

READ MORE: Coyote Euthanized After Attacks In Saddle River