2nd Raccoon With Rabies Found In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A raccoon found in the area of Stavola Road and Sleepy Hollow Road last week tested positive for rabies, the Middletown Township Health Department announced Monday. The raccoon was found last Wednesday, Nov. 8; a dog had possible contact with the raccoon that day. The dog was currently vaccinated against rabies, however. The carcass of the dead raccoon was sent to the state health lab in Trenton, and results came back Monday that it was positive for rabies.

This is the second case of a rabid raccoon in Middletown this November: A sick raccoon was found in the area of Elmwood Avenue near Portland Road on November 2. Middletown Animal Control captured the raccoon and sent it to the state lab for testing. During their investigation, they found out that the resident was handling the sick animal trying to nurse it back to health. In addition, the raccoon was in contact with the resident's cat. Laboratory results received on November 6 confirmed that the raccoon was rabid.

Residents should not be interacting with wildlife. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and please contact Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Police Department after hours and on weekends. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. Do not let your pets run free off leash, even in the woods, to ensure they do not come in contact with wildlife that may be rabid, the Middletown health department advises.

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