A bat found in Haddonfield, New Jersey, has tested positive for rabies, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Friday. The bat was found on April 18 in a resident’s attic, according to health officials. The health department said the residents who found the ba t were able to safely remove the animal from the home before animal control arrived and arranged for rabies testing at the state Public Health Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) in Trenton. On Friday, April 24, the Camden County health officials were notified by PHEL that the bat was rabid. Authorities said there were no human exposures. However, they said three cats were exposed to the bat, and the residents and animal control have been notified. Camden County officials said they received proof of vaccination for the cats, and all three received the rabies vaccine booster. The cats will be under confinement and observation for 45 days. “Rabies is a serious illness, but it can be prevented by early treatment after exposure,” said Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.” Fleisher encouraged residents to practice responsible pet ownership, and follow some tips to help reduce their risk of rabies exposure: Keep vaccinations up to date for all pets. Keep your pets under direct supervision while outdoors so they are less likely to interact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for your pet immediately. Fleisher said it is also important to avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals: Observe wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes from afar. Be cautious of open garbage cans and litter, as this can unintentionally attract wild animals. Do not adopt wild animals, bring them into your home, or try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance. Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly. When traveling abroad, avoid direct contact with wild animals and be especially careful around dogs in developing countries. Rabies is common in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Tens of thousands of people die of rabies each year in these countries. ...read more read less