Raccoon With Rabies Found In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Be warned: Middletown issued a rabies alert Monday, confirming that a raccoon found in the Belford section tested positive for rabies. The raccoon actually got into an altercation with someone's dog, and the dog killed it.

The incident happened last Monday, July 10 in the area of Hopping Road in the Belford section, according to Middletown Health Department Director Rich Debenedetto.

The raccoon's carcass was sent to the state lab for testing and the results came back last Wednesday, July 12 that the animal tested positive for rabies. The dog that killed it is up to date on its vaccinations and received a booster shot. The Middletown Health Dept. is still putting both of the resident's dogs under a 45-day quarantine per state guidelines.

This is the second rabid raccoon found in Central New Jersey this week. On Monday, Woodbridge Township also announced they had a rabid raccoon. That raccoon was acting strangely and out during daylight hours. Animal Control officers there killed it. Read: Woodbridge Rabies Alert Issued

All wildlife could be infected with rabies, Middletown health officials warned. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a rabies shot and licensed with the Township which is required by law. 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 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. Remember, rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife. For more information, do not hesitate to contact Animal Control at 732-615-2097.