Hamilton Township Animal Control has issued a warning to residents after a bat found in a local home tested positive for rabies.
The bat was discovered on Aug. 16 in the living space of a residence on Haslach Avenue and was subsequently sent to the state Public Health and Environmental Lab for rabies testing. The lab confirmed the positive result, sparking concerns within the community.
The bat found in Hamilton is the latest in a series of incidents in area communities. Last month a bat discovered in Community Park in Princeton tested positive for rabies, and a rabid bat was found in a Ewing Township home earlier this month.
Hamilton Township Animal Control is urging all residents to exercise caution around wildlife, particularly bats and to report any animals displaying unusual or aggressive behavior.
The township is also reminding pet owners to ensure their cats and dogs are current with their rabies vaccinations. This measure is vital in protecting pets from contracting the virus, which can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
Officials advise that any recent human or animal exposures to bats in the Haslach Avenue area be reported to Animal Control immediately for further assessment and appropriate actions.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. Therefore, early detection and prevention are critical.
For more information or to report an incident, residents can contact Hamilton Township Animal Control at 609-890-3550.
What you should know about bats
The N.J. Department of Health has issued the following information:
In New Jersey, two species of bats, the big brown bat and the little brown bat, are commonly found roosting in homes. While bats play a crucial role in controlling insects, they can become a nuisance when they enter buildings.
The big brown bat is the most frequently encountered species in our area, with a wingspan of about 14 inches. These bats often form colonies of up to 200 individuals, returning to the same roost each spring.
The little brown bat is also common but less likely to come into contact with people or pets. Though rabies in bats is rare, big brown bats are the most frequently tested for rabies due to their frequent interactions with humans.
The only effective and humane way to remove bats from your home is by bat-proofing, or excluding them. This involves sealing off entry points, usually around the roof or eaves. New Jersey does not allow the use of chemicals to kill bats, and it is illegal to harm them as they are protected under state law.
Temporary methods, such as using lights, fans or mothballs, can help discourage bats from settling, but these should not replace bat-proofing. To ensure a thorough job, consult guidance from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection or consider professional assistance.
If a bat is flying inside your house, and you’re sure there’s been no contact with people or pets, you can try to remove it by confining it to one room, turning on the lights, and opening the windows. The bat will likely leave on its own. If it lands, you can gently trap it with a container and release it outside, using gloves for safety.
Though rare, bat bites can occur, and because bats can carry rabies, any bite or scratch should be treated seriously. Wash the area with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately, and contact your local health department for rabies testing of the bat.
For more information on bat safety and rabies control, contact your local health department or visit the New Jersey Department of Health website.
