OLD BRIDGE – The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Old Bridge in the vicinity of Homer Road and Mercury Circle.
On April 6, Animal Control responded to a call about a raccoon, which had been killed by a resident’s dog. The raccoon was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing and it was reported on April 7 that the raccoon tested positive for rabies, according to a statement prepared by the department.
The resident was notified to consult with a physician regarding his/her exposure during the incident. Also, the resident was notified to take his/her dog to a veterinarian as a result of the animal’s exposure to the raccoon.
This is the second rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2016 and the first rabid animal reported in Old Bridge, according to the statement.
A Middlesex County Office of Health Services’ Registered Environmental Health specialist will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the area.
Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the police department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to the local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses.
