Dead Fox Found In Middletown Was Rabid, Tests Confirm

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A dead fox was found in Middletown last week, and the fox texted positive for rabies, Middletown Township announced Tuesday.

Someone first reported last week they saw a fox that appeared sick. The fox was first spotted near Brushwood Point, on Hartshorne Road in the Rumson/Navesink section.

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Then, last Thursday, park rangers in Hartshorne Woods Park told Middletown Animal Control they found the carcass of a dead fox within the park. The carcass was retrieved, sent to a state lab for testing and it came back positive for rabies Tuesday.

Middletown Twp. reminds the public not to interact with wildlife. Also, 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.

If you see a sick or injured animal, call Middletown Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Police Department at 732-615-2100 after hours and on weekends. Do not handle or approach the injured animal.

Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is to vaccinate your pets and to not handle or interact with wildlife. If you are bitten or exposed to blood/saliva of an animal, contact your physician immediately. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet was exposed to wildlife, even if previously vaccinated.