Bat in Hamilton Township Tests Positive for Rabies
Authorities say a bat found in Hamilton Township has tested positive for rabies.
Officials with Atlantic County say the bat was collected from the 300 block of Hanthorn Street after a homeowner contacted them. The bat was sent to a state laboratory for testing where it was confirmed positive on July 1st.
A dog, which was investigating the bat, was current on its rabies vaccination but was given a booster shot and placed under an informal 45-day confinement as a precaution.
This bat becomes the second rabid animal found in Atlantic County this year. The first rabies case was found in a Galloway Township raccoon in January.
Last year, rabies was confirmed in three raccoons, two bats, and one skunk in Atlantic County.
Atlantic County health officials remind residents of the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies, a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated, and to also teach children to stay away from wild, stray, or aggressive animals.
All animal bites should be reported to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971.