Rabid Raccoon In Hillsborough Was In Contact With Several Dogs

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A raccoon that was in contact with several dogs in Hillsborough Township has tested positive for rabies, the Hillsborough Health Department announced Thursday.

The dogs at 512 Blackpoint Road came in contact with the rabid raccoon on Sunday, May 8, said the health department.

"Rabies is a virus that can affect any mammal and is contagious to humans through a bite (most often), scratch, or open cut/mucous membrane exposure to the virus. The virus lives in the central nervous system fluid and saliva of the affected animal. This infective fluid must enter the host’s body through an opening put there by a bite, or a scratch, or through the exposure of an open cut, or mucous membrane (i.e. rubbing eyes after touching saliva) to the saliva," according to the health department.

Rabies is fatal unless treatment is given before symptoms begin. Residents are asked to contact their physician immediately if they or any of their pets were in contact with this animal and may have been exposed to the rabies virus as described above.

Residents who may have been in contact with the raccoon are also asked to call the Health Department at 908-369-5652 immediately.

Rabies can make animals appear unusually aggressive or friendly/passive. The health department also offered some tips:

• Make sure all pets are currently vaccinated against rabies
• Do not leave pets unattended outdoors
• If you see a sick animal or a stray domestic animal, contact Hillsborough’s animal control officers at Animal Control Solutions at 908-722-1271 or the Hillsborough Police at 908-369-4323.
• Visit the Hillsborough Township website hillsborough-nj.org, departments, health, and "animal alley" for more information on rabies and animal health.
• Be sure to license your dog so that you are sure it is current with rabies vaccinations. Licensing of dogs in New Jersey is a law.
• Rabies vaccinations in ALL cats and dogs, with few exceptions, are required in Hillsborough Township.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.