A release from the Municipality of Princeton notes that on July 9, at approximately 9 a.m., Princeton Recreation staff observed a brown bat alive and moving on the ground near the Community Park School Playground. Princeton Animal Control Officer Jim Ferry took possession of the bat and submitted it for testing at the New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratory. On Wednesday, July 10, the bat tested positive for rabies. Currently, no human exposures are known. Anyone who may have been in physical contact with this bat is highly recommended to notify the Princeton Health Department for guidance and/or seek medical treatment.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can be prevented by avoiding contact with animals that may be rabid. If a person has significant exposure, getting vaccinated right away can also prevent disease. Rabies can be spread from the bite or scratch of a rabid animal, or when the animal’s saliva contacts a person’s mouth, eyes, or an open sore.

Rabies poses a real threat, especially to unvaccinated domestic animals. According to the release, this incident should remind pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date with rabies vaccinations. Rabies occurs throughout New Jersey, including Princeton. Skunks, foxes, raccoons, groundhogs, bats and unvaccinated domestic animals can also develop rabies. In Princeton, approximately three to six animals per year test positive for rabies. Human rabies cases in the United States are rare.

Behavioral signs of rabid animals, wild or domestic, may include staggering, restlessness, aggression, a change in the tone of their barks or growls, or choking. Rabid Animals that may initially appear passive or docile can quickly become fierce and aggressive. If a nocturnal animal is active during the day, as in the case of this bat, that is also a sign of rabidity.

If you or a loved one are bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal or an animal suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and then seek medical attention. Ask your medical provider to report and coordinate with the Princeton Health Department. Not all exposures require post-exposure treatment. Health Department and Animal Control staff will work to locate, capture, and test suspected animals to definitively determine if the animal is infectious. Reporting bites is a legal obligation for exposed individuals and medical professionals to ensure all necessary actions are taken to protect those involved and the public at large.

If you see a wild animal (i.e. fox, skunk, raccoon), that is sick, injured, orphaned, or behaving oddly, leave it alone and contact Princeton Animal Control. Do NOT handle the animal yourself.

Animal Control can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (609) 924-2728. On nights and weekends, call the police non-emergency line at  (609) 921-2100.

For additional information on rabies, visit princetonnj.gov/168/Animal-Control or state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/rabies.shtml.