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Politics & Government

Rabid Bat Found on Brookside Lane Sidewalk

Children seen near the bat, the fourth animal in town to test positive for rabies in the past month.

A rabid bat was found on Brookside Lane last Wednesday, the latest report of a rabid animal in the township.

The township health department on Monday requested the school district notify parents about the bat because there were children walking home from school in the area when the bat was discovered, according to a letter by Superintendent of Schools Jorden Schiff.

Several children were seen near the bat and were poking it with a stick, the letter said.

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The health department became aware of the bat outside 422 Brookside Lane at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The location is about three-quarters of a mile from Hillsborough Middle School.

In the letter, Schiff asked parents to speak to their children “to be sure they did not touch the bat, try to pick up the bat, step on the bat or whether the bat bit them.”

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If there is a possibility that any individual may have had contact with the bat, the person should contact their physician or hospital emergency room immediately and notify the health department at 908-369-5652.

Health officials have reported an “unusual number” of animals that have recently tested positive for rabies.

A rabid skunk was found on Brook Drive on Aug. 15, according to a statement by the health department.

Another rabid skunk was found Aug. 20 at the Royce Brook Golf Course on Hamilton Road.

A rabid cat was also discovered behind the Goodyear dealer on Route 206 on Aug. 20. The health department says it was a young white short-haired cat with patches of tiger markings.

For more information on rabies, click here.

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