NORTH BRUNSWICK – A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the vicinity of Mare Haven Court and Stallion Way in North Brunswick.
A raccoon was found acting erratically and aggressively in the yard of a resident of Mare Haven Court on Aug. 30, according to information provided by the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.
The raccoon was killed by the resident’s pet dog, retrieved by animal control and sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing, according to the statement.
It was reported on Sept. 5 that the animal tested positive for rabies.
There are no human exposures and one domestic animal exposure to the raccoon, according to the statement. The dog has already been treated by its regular veterinarian.
Additionally, Middlesex County Office of Health Services’ Registered Environmental Health Specialists will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the area.
This is the seventh rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2017 and the first rabid animal in North Brunswick.
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, according to the statement. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
