Rabid Fox Found In Monmouth County

Another wild animal in Middletown has tested positive for rabies.

This time it’s a fox.

Two raccoons have also recently tested positive for the disease.

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation that the fox tested positive for rabies, a township news release said.

That fox was tested “after it was in an altercation with two dogs” on Monday in the area of Brookline Court and Rolling Knolls Drive.

There was no human contact with the fox and both dogs had up-to-date rabies vaccinations, according to Health Department Director Rich DeBenedetto.

Last week, officials issued an alert about a raccoon that tested positive for rabies after it was found acting abnormally and seemed lethargic in a wooded area between Taylor Lane and Cherry Tree Lane in town.

And last month, officials said another raccoon tested positive for rabies. That animal was tested after a “possible interaction with a dog,” in the area of Millbrook Drive in the New Monmouth section of town, officials said.

Officials are reminding residents that all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) should be properly vaccinated. Pets should not be allowed to run free off-leash, even in the woods, because they could come in contact with rabid wildlife.

If you come across a sick or injured animal, officials say you should keep your distance and call Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or call the Police Department after hours and on weekends.

Patch file photo