Rabid Bat Found in Manalapan

A rabid bat was discovered outside of a Manalapan residence on July 15, according to the Manalapan Township Health Department and Western Monmouth Animal Control. The bat, which appeared to be very lethargic, was placed in a container by the homeowner and later taken by Animal Control to be sent out for rabies testing.

The bat tested positive for rabies, establishing that the rabies virus is present in our area. Bats found outside do not generally need to be captured and tested, unless the bat bit or scratched a pet or human, according to Manalapan Township Health Officer David Richardson. However, since the resident had already contained the visibly ill animal Animal Control decided to test it.

Richardson said bats have been the culprit for spreading most of the few human cases of rabies in the United States in recent years.

Our region is home to two kinds of bats: a big brown bat with a wingspan of about 14 inches and little brown bat with an average wingspan of 10 inches. Aside from this difference, the bats are incredibly similar, according to a release issued by the Health Department. Bats play an essential role in our ecosystem by feeding on large quantities of problem-causing insects.

A bat in a house, however, is not so essential. “The finding of a bat in the home does not need to lead to chaos but does need to be handled carefully”, Richardson said. “We see a variety of responses, from a calm homeowner who took their own steps to get the bat out of their house to the frantic, evacuate-the-house-until-the-bat-is-captured response.”

The Health Department is advising residents to be cautious of all bats, whether found indoors or outdoors. If unprotected physical contact is made with a bat the wound should be cleaned with soap and water, according to the Health Department. Please capture the bat, if possible, so that it can be tested for rabies. If the bat escapes capture, please report the incident to the Health Department and your physician for instruction on post-exposure treatment.

Additionally, if a bat was discovered inside of a house where it had access to rooms with sleeping children it is advised to have those exposed tested for rabies if the bat cannot be caught and tested. Bat bites can be imperceptible to sleeping children, according to the Health Department, and they may not leave any distinguishing marks since their teeth are so small and sharp.

Please call the at 732-446-8345 for all instances involving bats. During the weekends and evenings Manalapan residents can call for animal control assistance through the or call a private pest control service.