by KYW's Al Novack

Health officials in Burlington County, NJ are warning residents not to touch bats or other wild animals because of recent incidents involving wild animals that tested positive for rabies.

Burlington County health officials are warning residents, particularly those in the Mill Street area of Mount Holly, not to touch wild animals if their see one or one is found inside a home, garage, tool shed, or barn.

They says that four bats were recently taken from a Mill Street home and two of them tested positive for rabies.

Health officials say that neighborhood has a history of rabid animals. As a precaution, they say, homeowners should have a screen placed over chimneys.

If a bat or other wild animal gets into a home or building, police or animal control should be called.

Rabies in humans is rare, but rabies treatment can be quite lengthy and painful. Anyone needing more information can call the Burlington County health department at 609-265-5533.