MONROE – The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Monroe in the vicinity of Spotswood Gravel Hill Road and Garvey Drive.
This is the first rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2018 and the first rabid animal in Monroe for the year, according to a statement prepared by the office.
The animal control officer for Monroe responded to a report of a resident’s dog killing a raccoon on Feb. 5, according to the statement. The raccoon was subsequently sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.
It was reported on Feb. 6 that the animal tested positive for rabies.
There are no human exposures to the raccoon. The resident’s dog has a current rabies vaccination and they were advised to follow up with their pet’s veterinarian regarding any post exposure treatment, according to the statement. Additionally, a Middlesex County Office of Health Services’ registered environmental health specialist will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the area.
