Raccoon in Montclair tests positive for rabies. What you need to know

A raccoon that was found in Montclair last week tested positive for rabies, the state and township health departments announced.

The raccoon was found on the 100 block of Inwood Avenue on Aug. 27, said Montclair Health and Human Services. The state Health Department alerted township health officials about the animal's test results.

The Montclair health department could not be reached for immediate comment.

What is rabies?

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the central nervous system in mammals. It is transmitted through saliva, typically in bites or open scratches from an infected animal.

The disease is not transmitted through blood, urine or feces. Rabies also cannot be spread through airborne exposure.

Infected animals become ill and may bite or attack other animals and people. Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats and feral stray cats, said the Montclair Health and Human Services Department.

The number of human deaths caused by rabies is only at one or two per year nationally, says the Humane Society of the United States. The organization attributes this to pet vaccinations, effective post-exposure treatment and the rarity of undetected bites.

Warning and protection against animals with rabies

One way to prevent rabies infection is to avoid feeding stray animals, said Montclair Health and Human Services.

The department also recommends having pets licensed and up to date with the rabies vaccinations.

A press release from the department warned residents that an infected animal can have signs of "distemper include appearing drunk and excessively wobbly, circling, seeming partially paralyzed, unable to climb, acting disoriented or mutilating itself."

The Animal Control Service Line in Montclair is 862-621-9113.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Raccoon in Montclair tests positive for rabies. What you need to know