Rabies remains year-round issue

Twenty-seven animals tested positive for rabies in Ocean County for 2006, according to an Ocean County Health Department spokesperson.

"The total number of animals testing positive in 2006 was 27, compared to 25 cases for 2005," said Ella Boyd, public health coordinator. "Raccoons totaled the largest number of rabies cases in the county with 14 confirmed cases."

She added that there were also six skunks, four bats, two cats and one fox that tested positive during the year. The reports came from nine communities - Brick Township, Toms River, Island Heights, Jackson, Lacey, Manchester, Pine Beach, Plumsted and Tuckerton.

"The animals were collected by animal control officers," Boyd said. "In most cases it was the result of average citizens reporting suspicious or unusual animal behavior to their local animal control officer or police department, which resulted in the capture of the animal and its removal as a danger to the community."

"These 27 confirmed cases of rabid animals in Ocean County were reported throughout the year, meaning rabies is a year-round concern for us today," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Board of Health. "Fortunately, rabies is a preventable disease and I encourage pet owners to keep their animals' immunizations up to date."

Boyd said anyone who spots a wild or homeless animal acting strangely, such as raccoons or bats active during daylight hours, should avoid contact with the animal and notify the local animal control officer, describing the animal and its location.