On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, members of the Manchester Township Police Department Patrol Bureau and Animal Control Officer responded to the Pine Acres Manor section of Manchester Township for a report of a cat who attacked several people during the day. Upon arrival, the cat was located deceased near a residence in the neighborhood. The cat was subsequently transported to the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory where it tested positive for the rabies virus.
Any residents who believe they may have been bitten or have had contact with saliva from this animal should notify the local health department, 732-341-9700, and seek medical care.
Rabies is contagious to human beings and other animals. If caught early, rabies can be treated. Signs that an animal may have rabies include the following: abnormal behavior, elevated temperature, anorexia, unprovoked aggression, impaired locomotion, and neurological impairment including vocalization, circling, and paralysis.
The Manchester Township Police would like to remind residents of the following:
• Keep your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.
• Do not feed or touch wild animals.
• Avoid contact with strays or pets other than your own.
• Report unusual behavior in stray or wild animals to Manchester Township Police Animal Control.
• Report all bites immediately to your local health department, 732-341-9700.
If you are bitten by a potentially rabid animal: seek medical attention right away, and report the bite to your local health department and animal control.