2 Bats Are Latest Animals To Test For Rabies In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A pair of bats are the latest animals to test positive for rabies in Montclair, officials say.

The Montclair Department of Health and Human Services released the following advisory on Friday:

“The Township Health Department was notified by the New Jersey Department of Health lab that two bats found on Garden Street (same residence) on Sept. 2 had tested positive for the rabies virus. Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.”

What should you do if you find a bat in your home? According to Montclair health officials:

“If you’re sitting in your living room and a bat flies out of your fireplace and circles around the ceiling without touching anyone? In that instance, it would be acceptable to open the doors/windows to allow it to escape. But if you woke up late at night and found a bat flying around or perched in your bedroom, then you need to call Animal Control ASAP so we can capture the bat and send it for testing.”

“Yes, the bat needs to be euthanized for the brain matter to be tested but rabies is fatal to any animal/human who does not receive treatment after being bitten by a rabid bat, Montclair officials said. “We understand that everyone loves animals, but human lives take precedence. Teeth of a bat are so small that someone could be bitten while sleeping and not even know it.”

“If you have a bat in your home, call Animal Control at 862-621-9113 to speak to an animal control officer for guidance,” health officials added. “Do not let the bat fly out or attempt to catch the bat. All humans and pets should leave the room where the bat is, close the door, lay a towel at the bottom of the door and wait for animal control's response.”

• See related article: Bedroom Bats, Stray Pets: Animal Control In Montclair Isn't Easy

OTHER RECENT RABIES CASES IN MONTCLAIR

Two other types of animals – a skunk and a raccoon – were also recently found with rabies in Montclair.

In late August, a skunk found on Walnut Parkway tested positive for the virus, officials said. And earlier that month, a rabies-infected raccoon was found on Christopher Street.

• See related article: Skunk Found In Montclair Tests Positive For Rabies
• See related article: Rabies-Infected Raccoon Found In Montclair; Town Issues Advisory

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