Rabid Bat Found In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A rabid bat was found in Middletown last Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The bat was found inside a home in the Locust section of Middletown, in the area of Swan Avenue, said Township officials.

It was found on the ground inside the home, and it is suspected two pet dogs inside the home interacted with the bat and were exposed to rabies.

The bat was captured by Middletown Animal Control and its carcass was sent to a state lab for rabies testing. Results came back Aug. 6 that the bat tested positive for rabies.

If you encounter a sick, injured, or unusually behaving wild animal, keep your distance and avoid all contact. Call Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Middletown Police Department at 732-615-2100 after hours and on weekends.

Keep your pets (dogs, cats and livestock) current on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets that are exposed to a rabid animal generally require a rabies booster and a 45-day observation period, while unvaccinated pets may face a strict four-month quarantine with no human or animal contact. Do not allow pets to roam off leash, especially in wooded areas, to help prevent contact with potentially rabid wildlife.

Rabies is a fatal disease, but it is preventable. The best course of defense is to vaccinate your pets and to not handle or interact with wildlife. If you are bitten or exposed to blood/saliva of an animal, contact your physician immediately. If your pet is exposed to wildlife, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, even if your pet has been vaccinated.