Area May 2, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Animal control officer reports local rabies case by Jennifer Crusco Carol Tyler, the animal control officer for 22 municipalities in northern New Jersey, told the Ho-Ho-Kus Council last week that a rabid animal was located within that borough in late April. Tyler reported that two skunks were found in Ho-HoKus within a few hours. The animals were found in the area bounded by Race Track Road, the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School, and Route 17. Both skunks were acting in a suspicious manner, and both were sent to the lab in Trenton for testing. One of the animals tested positive for rabies, and the other did not. Tyler surmised that the non-rabid skunk may have been hit by a car. Although the rabies test calls for the death of the animal to be tested, Tyler noted, “Testing saves lives.” Tyler urged pet owners to ensure that their animals have current vaccinations against rabies. “We give it away for free,” she said of Ho-Ho-Kus. Many other local towns also provide free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. She also urged local residents to refrain from feeding animals outside. She pointed out that infected animals may fraternize with healthy ones, and an animal that eats or drinks from the same container as a rabid animal runs the risk of contracting the disease through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. “It’s very dangerous if left untreated,” Tyler said. “This is a deadly disease.” The animal control officer said she is witnessing an outbreak of rabies throughout the towns she serves. In recent years, she said one in every 30 animals tested was found to have rabies. In the last eight months, one in every five animals tested has been positive for rabies. In the last few months, she said, one in every three animals is testing positive. Tyler said the mild winter may have allowed many infected animals, who might not have survived a typical New Jersey cold snap, to live until spring. Individuals who locate an animal that may be rabid should contact their local police department, Tyler said. “Never approach animals that appear friendly or drunk,” she urged. Instead, Tyler recommended keeping an eye on the animal from a safe distance so the police and animal control responders can locate the animal upon their arrival. Animals including cats, dogs, skunks, raccoons, and other mammals can contract rabies. Humans who are exposed to rabies, usually through the bite of an infected animal, can be treated through a series of injections. Rotary seeks host families The Allendale Saddle River Rotary Club is seeking local families in The Northern Highlands School District to host foreign exchange students for the 2012-13 academic year. The exchange students live with host families in under the sponsorship and supervision of the local host Rotary Club. They are screened and selected by their local Rotary clubs. The candidates tend to be motivated students who have exhibited leadership qualities. To learn more, visit: http://www.exchangestudent.org or contact Diane Eisner Stroud, youth exchange officer of The Allendale Saddle River Rotary Club or call (201) 6159877 or DianeEisnerStroud@remax.net.