Bat tests positive for rabies in New Jersey

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services recently reported that a bat in the township of Piscataway, New Jersey, tested positive for rabies. The bat was located near River Road and Barbour Place, making this the third rabid animal in Piscataway and the sixth in Middlesex County.

According to a release from Middlesex County, on August 11, 2025, a Piscataway resident noticed a bat in their living room. The bat was then trapped and picked up by an animal control officer who brought it to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. Here, it was reported on August 13, 2025, that the bat was positive for rabies. There was no human exposure with the bat, but 1 animal was exposed, and the resident was notified to consult with both their physician and their cat’s veterinarian.1

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor the rabies cases, and residents should report wild animals presenting with signs of unusual behavior to the police department. Additionally, the county recommends residents avoid contact with wild animals, report any bites from either domestic or wild animals to their local health department, and talk to their physician immediately. All families should ensure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

The county is also advising residents to follow the following guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pet1:

• Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department: It is also advised to wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. Contamination of open scratches or cuts with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Anyone bitten should consult a physician immediately.
• Report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior: Signs of unusual behavior could include appearing sick, problems swallowing, moving slowly, biting at everything if excited, paralysis, acting aggressively, and more. Anyone who sees an animal acting like this should avoid contact and call their local animal control officer or police department.
• Be sure family pets are up to date on vaccinations: If a family is unsure, they should consult with their veterinarian, and if not vaccinated, call the local health department for free rabies clinics in the area.
• Animal-proof yards and homes: All garbage containers should have tight-fitting lids. Do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment, and keep yards free of garbage and debris.
• Do not feed or handle wild animals.
• Avoid contact with stray pets or animals.
• Try to prevent pets from coming in contact with wild animals.
• Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could be used as a shelter for bats.

Rabies can impact all warm-blooded mammals, including humans, and is found in the saliva of a rabid animal. Rabies can be transmitted by a bite or possibly by an open cut being contaminated. According to the release, New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, dogs, and cats represent approximately 95% of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.1

Reference

1. Middlesex County Office of Health Services rabies update. News release. Middlesex County Office of Health Services. August 8, 2025. Accessed August 16, 2025. https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1778/328