Rabid Cat Found In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Health Officials are warning residents after a small black and white cat found in the township tested positive for rabies.

The cat was found at 597 River Road last Friday.

"It was noted that the cat was unusually small and appeared to be a kitten. However, it was discovered that it had been nursing, so it may have had kittens," said the Hillsborough Health Department.

The property was checked and there were no kittens found. Residents are asked to contact their physician immediately if they handled this animal and may have been exposed to the rabies virus.

Treatment must begin immediately before symptoms begin or it will be fatal. Residents should also call The Health Department at 908-369-5652 immediately.

Rabies is a virus that can affect any mammal, and is contagious to humans through a bite (most often), scratch, or open cut/mucous membrane exposure to the virus. The virus lives in the central nervous system fluid and saliva of the affected animal. Rabies is fatal unless treatment is given before symptoms begin.

Hillsborough residents are asked to make sure all pets are currently vaccinated against rabies, not to leave pets unattended outdoors, and if they see a sick animal or a stray domestic animal to contact Hillsborough’s animal control officers at Animal Control Solutions at 908-722-1271, or the Hillsborough Police at 908-369-4323.

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