By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that the Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a cat tested positive for rabies in the Township of East Brunswick, Middlesex County, in the vicinity of Riva Avenue and Ved Mandir Drive.
This is the second (2) rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2025 and the first (1) rabid animal in East Brunswick, MCPO officials say.
According to Middlesex County officials, on Friday, May 2, an East Brunswick resident was attacked by a stray cat that was residing on their property. The animal was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.
It was reported today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, that the animal tested positive for rabies, MCPO officials stated.
Middlesex County authorities said there was one (1) human exposure to the cat. There are approximately 10 other cats that are possibly exposed to the cat. Animal control officers will be following up on those exposures.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department, MCPO officials say.
Additionally, it is recommended that residents avoid contact with wild animals, immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to their local health department, and consult a physician as soon as possible, according to Middlesex County officials. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
MCPO authorities stated rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite or possibly by contamination of an open cut.
New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95% of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States, Middlesex County officials say.
Rabies Prevention Guidelines
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:
1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts and scratches with the saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.
2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior. Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:
-Move slowly
-May act as if tame
-Appears sick
-Have problems swallowing
-Have an increase in saliva
-Have increased drooling
-Act aggressively
-Have difficulty moving
-Have paralysis
-Bite at everything if excited
Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call their local animal control officer or local police department.
3. Ensure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. If unsure, please call your veterinarian. Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.
4. Animal-proof your home and yard. Make sure all garbage containers have tight-fitting lids. Do not leave pet food or water outside. Do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment. Keep the yard free of garbage and debris.
5. Do not feed or handle wild animals.
6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.
7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.
8. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services will continue to work with local partners to monitor the situation and will provide information when updates are available, officials stated.
For additional guidance and information for residents, please contact the Middlesex County Office of Health Services at 732-745-3100.