OLD BRIDGE – A groundhog tested positive for rabies in the vicinity of Darwin Road and Bentley Avenue after attacking a family’s pet pig.
On June 29, a groundhog was found to be acting strangely and aggressively in an Old Bridge resident’s yard and attacked their pet potbellied pig, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services in a statement prepared by the Middlesex County Office of Communication.
The groundhog was killed by the owner in the altercation and was sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on July 1 that the animal tested positive for rabies, according to the statement.
The potbellied pig at the residence is considered exposed to this animal and New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Division, will be handling quarantine, according to the statement. The four residents have received rabies post exposure treatment, according to officials.
This is the ninth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2016 and the third rabid animal reported in Old Bridge this year.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the police department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses.
