A beaver that attacked and bit an 8-year-old boy in New Jersey over the weekend has since tested positive for rabies, officials announced in a news release.
The Mahwah Health Department said in a social media post on May 5 that the animal made contact with several people on Sunday, May 3, at Lake Henry, located in Bergen County. Mahwah Township is about 90 miles from Trenton.
All parties exposed or bitten by the beaver are receiving prophylaxis, a medical measure to prevent the spread of disease, and are recovering, Dawn Cetrulo, the department's health officer, told USA TODAY.
Anyone who has had contact with the beaver is being asked to notify the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately at 201-529-5757.
Individuals will need to be assessed by a doctor for medical treatment, according to the agency. Everyone is advised to avoid wildlife, as any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies.
