Middlesex County Resident, Dog Bitten By Rabid Skunk

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — A Monroe resident and their pet dog were bitten by a rabid skunk, Middlesex County Office of Health Services said Thursday.

The incident happened in the vicinity of Evergreen Terrace and Astor Place. This is the eighth rabid animal reported within the County this year and the first rabid animal in Monroe.

An Old Bridge resident's dog attacked and killed a skunk on Tuesday, which later tested positive for rabies. Read More Here: Old Bridge Dog Bitten By Rabid Skunk In Backyard

On Wednesday, Nov. 17 the resident's pet dog attacked a skunk. When the resident went to grab the dog they slipped and the skunk bit the resident. The animal was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.

On Thursday the animal tested positive for rabies, the Health department said. The resident’s dog is currently vaccinated for rabies and was instructed to follow up with their veterinarian. The resident was notified to consult with a physician regarding rabies post-exposure treatment.

Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department. They should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to the local health department and consult a physician immediately.