The groundhog was one of 123 specimens tested for rabies after being found in Middlesex County. Nine others positive for the virus included cats, dogs, bats and raccoons.
(Associated Press file photo) OLD BRIDGE - A health official on Friday identified five Middlesex County towns where 10 rabid animals have been found this year, along with a caution that the true numbers might be much higher.
"These are just the ones that are found," said Health Director Tom Sikorski. "Rabies is throughout the state of New Jersey, particularly in bats and raccoons."
The latest rabid animal was a groundhog found in a woman's back yard in Old Bridge. The animal was alive when found, lying on its back.
The groundhog was one of 123 specimens tested for rabies after being found in Middlesex County. Nine others positive for the virus included cats, dogs, bats and raccoons.
The other rabid animals found in Middlesex County this year were four in South Brunswick; three in East Brunswick; one each in North Brunswick and Monroe Township.
Sikorski, who served for 38 years as the public health official in Old Bridge, said for every one case of rabies in New Jersey, there are perhaps 20 or more that health officials never know about.
In 2014, there were 17 confirmed case of rabies in Middlesex County. In 2013, there were 16. In 2012, there were 11.
The numbers fluctuate and there are always more cases in more locations than health officials find out about, Sikorski said.
RELATED: Groundhog is Middlesex County's 10th case of rabies this year
"I personally do not believe in our policy of publishing where we happen to find a positive specimen," Sikorski said. "It can blackball a community."
Sikorski emphasized a need to educate the public on how to spot when an animal may be rabid.
Here are some tips from the health department:
- Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts or scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.
- Immediately report any wild animal showing signs of unusual behavior.
- Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may move slowly, act as if it is tame, appear sick, have problems swallowing, have an increase of saliva, act aggressive or have difficulty moving.
Additional information can be obtained by calling an Inspection Division Supervisor for Middlesex County Public Health Department, at 732-745-3100.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.