Public Health Alert
RABIES INCIDENT
READINGTON TOWNSHIP
RESIDENTS
In the area of: Rockafellow Mills Road & River Ave.
CAT Tested Positive for Rabies
A cat tested positive for rabies on March 30, 2020
Description: Young Male Adult / Tiger Color
Area residents who may have had contact with this cat any time between March 12, 2020 to March 26, 2020 should notify their Primary Care Physician immediately or the Hunterdon Medical Center Emergency Room to discuss concerns, re: possible exposure and the need for post exposure prophylaxis treatment.
It is important to remember not to pick up stray animals at any time. Saliva from infected animals should be considered infectious.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by saliva of an open cut or the eyes. The disease is transmitted from animals to human or from animals to other animals. Left untreated, humans can be protected by receiving rabies prophylaxis after exposure.
How can we protect ourselves from rabies?
• Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep vaccinations up-to-date
• Do not feed or touch wild animals
• Avoid contact with strays or pets other than your own
All owners of cats, dogs and livestock should have the vaccination against rabies through their veterinarian or through municipal rabies clinics. For a listing of upcoming free rabies clinics, visit the Hunterdon County Department of Health Info Line website - http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/health/rabiesclinics.html
For more information, call 908-788-1351. After hours and on weekends, call 908-788-1202. To reach the
Readington Township Animal Control Officer, Tom Dodd, call 908-722-1271.
