By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that the Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the Township of East Brunswick, Middlesex County, in the vicinity of Frost Avenue and Kings Road.
According to officials, this is the fifth (5) rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2024 and the second (2) rabid animal in East Brunswick.
Officials stated that on Thursday, September 26, two pet dogs of East Brunswick residents fought with a raccoon on their property.
The Animal Control Officer picked up the animal, and it was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing, officials say, and then it was reported on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, that the animal tested positive for rabies.
There was no human exposure to the raccoon, officials said. The residents took their dogs to a veterinarian and had their rabies vaccinations boostered.
Authorities say the Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality, and 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, immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department, and consult a physician as soon as possible, according to officials.
Finally, officials said that all family pets should be up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Officials say rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans.
The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite or possibly by contamination of an open cut. New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Officials state that bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95% of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.
Rabies Prevention Guidelines
Officials stated that the Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:
1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department:
- Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite.
- Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately.
- Consult a physician as soon as possible.
2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior that may include:
- Move slowly
- May act as if tame
- Appear sick
- Have problems swallowing
- Have an increase in saliva
- Have increased drooling
- Act aggressive
- Have difficulty moving
- Have paralysis
- Bite at everything if excited
- Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call your local animal control officer or local police department.
3. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination:
- If unsure, please call your veterinarian.
- Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.
4. Animal proof your home and yard:
- Make sure all garbage containers have tight-fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment, and keep the yard free of garbage and debris.
5. Do not feed or handle wild animals
6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own
7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals
8. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats