By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Hunterdon County, NJ

Image by eliza28diamonds from Pixabay

Health officials in Hunterdon County, New Jersey have reported a rabies-positive groundhog who acted aggressively toward farm animals on Raritan township. Officials warn residents in the area of Old Hill Road & Hinkly Road who may have had contact with this groundhog any time 7/9/19 to 8/1/19 – they 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.

All owners of cats, dogs and livestock should have the vaccination against rabies through their veterinarian or through municipal rabies clinics.

Nevada reports rabid bats

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Animal Disease Laboratory has confirmed eight positive rabies cases in bats in the following counties: Clark County, Elko County, Lyon County, Washoe County and White Pine County. Rabies is common in bats throughout Nevada, and bat activity tends to increase between the months of May and October.

Every year, the Animal Disease Laboratory confirms between 10 and 20 cases of bat rabies. To date, the lab has tested 81 bats and eight were positive for rabies (four in Washoe County and one each in Elko, Clark, Lyon and White Pine Counties).

“Always avoid direct contact with bats, and never touch them without thick gloves,” Laura Morrow, NDA Animal Disease Lab supervisor, said. “Don’t allow children or domestic animals to come in contact with any bats.”

Any bats, dead or alive, that may have been in contact with people or domestic animals should immediately be submitted to the Animal Disease Laboratory for testing and reported to county animal control and health authorities, however, contact the lab or your local animal control agency before attempting to pick up a bat.