Rabid Raccoon Found In Middletown

A raccoon, found in the New Monmouth section of Middletown, has tested positive for rabies.

The Middletown Township Health Department received laboratory confirmation of the positive rabies test, officials said in a news release Wednesday.

According to the news release:

The raccoon was tested after a “possible interaction with a dog.” No wounds were found on the dog.

The incident happened in the area of Millbrook Drive in New Monmouth.

Residents should make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.

Domestic animals that do not have the proper vaccinations and come in contact with a rabid animal must be confined for six months in an approved pen or facility, or humanely euthanized to protect people from possible exposure to the rabies virus, according to Health Department Director RichDeBenedetto.

Residents who find sick or injured animals should keep their distance and contact Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or call police after-hours and on weekends.

For more information, call Animal Control at 732-615-2097.