WANTAGE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Two animals in Wantage Township have tested positive for rabies, prompting local officials to remind residents to take precautions and ensure pets are vaccinated.
According to Wantage Township Animal Control, a raccoon collected April 26 on Haggerty Road in Branchville and a bat collected April 27 on Rutgers Road in Wantage both tested positive for the rabies virus.
Rabies is a life-threatening disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is most commonly transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.
Officials emphasized that isolated cases do not indicate widespread infection among wildlife.
Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant for signs of rabies in animals, including unusual or aggressive behavior, excessive drooling, difficulty walking, paralysis or animals appearing unusually friendly or active during the day.
Residents are advised not to approach wild or stray animals and to report any suspicious animal behavior immediately. Officials also stressed the importance of keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations, which are required by law and critical for preventing the spread of the disease.
The township said monitoring pets while outdoors and avoiding contact with unknown animals can help reduce the risk of exposure.
Animal control officials said community safety remains a top priority as they continue to monitor the situation.
