Residents advised to take precautions against rabies

A skunk has tested positive for rabies in Old Bridge, Middlesex County. The animal was found in the vicinity of Texas Road (Route 520) and Route 527.

The Middlesex County Public Health Department is recommending the following: Avoid contact with wild animals or stray pets; immediately report any bites from a wild or domestic animal to the local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible.

According to a press release, rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut. New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.

The Middlesex County Public Health Department is advising residents to follow these guidelines in order to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:

+ Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to the local health department. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts or scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

+ Immediately report any wild animal showing signs of unusual behavior.

Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may move slowly, may act as if it is tame, appear sick, have problems swallowing, have an increase of saliva, have increased drooling, act aggressive, have difficulty moving, have paralysis, and bite at everything if excited.

Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call the local animal control officer or local police department.

The health department advises people to keep family pets up to date on their rabies vaccination. Make sure all garbage containers have tight fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rain water to collect in outdoor containers or equipment, and keep yards free of garbage and debris. Do not feed or handle wild animals. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats.