Dead Racoon In Montclair Tests Positive For Rabies: Officials

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A dead racoon found in Montclair tested positive for rabies, authorities announced Thursday.

The Montclair Health Department released more information in a municipal advisory:

“The New Jersey Department of Health notified the township health department that a dead raccoon recovered from the Argyle Road area has tested positive for the rabies virus. Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people. Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know.”

Montclair health officials continued:

“Please do not feed stray animals. Be certain that your pets are licensed, vaccinated and up to date on rabies vaccination. Some warning signs of neurological diseases like rabies and distemper include appearing drunk or excessively wobbly, circling, seeming partially paralyzed, unable to climb, acting disorientated or mutilating itself.”

People who notice an animal “acting strangely” can contact the Montclair Police Department at 973-744-1234 to have an animal control officer dispatched, authorities said.

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