Skunk In Parsippany Tests Positive For Rabies

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Hold your noses, and keep your pets safe. A skunk in Parsippany tested positive for rabies, officials announced Friday.

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The skunk was found off Jefferson Avenue in the Lake Hiawatha section. Officials shared the following message:

"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.

Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS. Do not make pets of wild animals. Be certain that your dog is properly licensed, vaccinated and up to date on their rabies vaccination. If you know of any stray cats, or dogs or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Parsippany Animal Control at 973-263-7083.

Please keep garbage in a container with a tight fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled bird seed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods."

If you are exposed — bitten or scratched — by any suspected animal, act promptly. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your physician and the health department.

If your pet is bitten or in a fight with a wild animal, contact the Parsippany Health Department at 973-263-7160 and your veterinarian.

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