Although any warm-blooded mammal is susceptible to rabies, it is most common in raccoons, skunks, and foxes. As of June 30, 2006, 90 cases of rabies (excluding bats) have been reported in the State for 2006 thus far (counts began in l989, and there have been over 5,000 cases of rabies reported in the State since then). 12 of the 90 cases this year were in Morris County. Of the total reported in the State this year, 10 were in cats and none in dogs. This is due largely to the fact that licensing of dogs is mandatory throughout the State of New Jersey. Rabies is transmitted in the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites. The disease can also be transmitted through scratches or if the animal licks an open wound.
As of 6/30/06, 16 rabid bat cases have been reported in the State for 2006. None of these were in Morris County. In November of 2003, a rabid bat was found in a home in Mountain Lakes. In October of 1997 a 32-year-old man from Warren County died of rabies from a bat bite. Because bat bites may be less severe, heal rapidly, and therefore, be more difficult to find or recognize than bites inflicted by larger mammals, rabies post-exposure treatment should be considered for any physical contact with bats when bites, scratches, or mucous membrane contact with saliva cannot be excluded. Rabies post-exposure treatment is also appropriate even in the absence of a demonstrable bite or scratch, in situations in which there is reasonable probability that such contact occurred (e.g., a sleeping person awakes to find a bat in the room, an adult finds a bat in the room with a previously unattended child, or a bat is detected in the presence of an unattended child or a mentally disabled or intoxicated person). If you are bitten or scratched or the possibility of contact with a bat cannot be excluded, try to confine or kill the bat (without damage to its head), to prevent additional exposures. Immediately cleanse the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and seek prompt medical attention from a physician or hospital emergency room. Report the bite or other exposure to the Health Department as soon as possible. Using heavy protective gloves, tongs, or a shovel, place the bat in a coffee can or other securely covered container and arrange with the Health Department for immediate delivery and testing at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Rabies Laboratory. If your dog or cat is exposed to a bat, follow similar procedures in capturing the bat and contacting the Health Department to report the incident and arrange for the testing of the bat.
If bitten by any animal, immediately clean the wound with soap and water and go to your physician or the nearest hospital. All bite wounds must be reported to the Board of Health.
A vaccinated domestic pet population forms a barrier between rabid wildlife and humans. The public should also be aware of the potential dangers of direct contact with wildlife.
Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against the disease. The incidence of cat rabies far exceeds the incidence in dogs as stated earlier. Cats roam and hunt and thus have a greater exposure to animals such as raccoons, which may be infected with rabies.
If an unvaccinated pet is bitten by or has been in close contact with known or suspected rabid animals, the Board of Health has the authority to have the animal strictly quarantined for six (6) months at the owner's expense in an approved kennel or veterinary hospital.
So protect your family and pets. The Health Commission urges all residents to have their dogs and cats inoculated against rabies and to take advantage of the free rabies clinic offered by the Borough.
Robin L. Steele
Board of Health Secretary