Dogs Fight Rabid Raccoon In Middletown, Health Dept. Says

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Two dogs got into a fight with a raccoon last Thursday in Middletown Township, and the raccoon turned out to have the rabies virus, the Middletown Health Department announced Tuesday, Oct. 1.

The Middletown Health Department responded to a call on Thursday, September 26 concerning two dogs fighting with a raccoon in the area of Hialeah Avenue and Tropical Drive.

The dogs did not kill the raccoon and it was captured by Middletown Animal Control, who sent the animal to the state lab for testing. Results confirmed that the raccoon was rabid.

The two dogs were current on their rabies vaccinations.

Residents should be reminded not to interact with wildlife under any circumstance. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and avoid all contact. Instead of approaching the animal, call Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Middletown Police Department at 732-615-2100 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.