Rabid Raccoon Reported In Far Hills

FAR HILLS – A raccoon found in the area of Lake Road in Far Hills has tested positive for rabies.

Two dogs got into a fight and attached the raccoon on March 8. The raccoon was sent to the public health laboratory at the New Jersey Department of Health, where it was tested and confirmed to have rabies, according to the Somerset County Department of Health.

Both of the dogs’ rabies vaccinations are current and they were placed under confinement by Animal Control Solutions. The owner will be requested to extend the confinement for the dogs by 45 days, as required by the state Department of Health. Both of the dogs received a rabies booster, the health department reported.

“If you are bitten or attacked by an animal, do not delay in reporting it to the health authorities,” said Somerset County Health Officer Dr. Paul Masaba. “Rabies is a serious illness that can be fatal in humans without treatment.”

Far Hills residents who see an animal acting strangely should call the police department at 908-234-1192.

Rabies information provided by the SC Health Department:

• People can get rabies through animal bites or when saliva of an infected animal enters the body through cuts or scratches.
• Rabies is preventable with prompt medical attention.
• Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal – including stray dogs and cats – should promptly wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention.
• If a pet is bitten or scratched, take it to a vet promptly.
• In either case, be sure to report the incident immediately to the police and the local health department.

For health department contact information in Somerset County municipalities, click here.

Suburban areas in which raccoons, people and pets are in close proximity have the highest number of cases. Last year, the state Department of Health reported a total of 113 rabid raccoons in New Jersey, five of which were in Somerset County.

For further information on rabies, click here for the New Jersey Department of Health website.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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