Rabid Raccoon Found In Monroe Township Feb. 5

MONROE, NJ — A raccoon that got into a fight with a dog, and was killed, Monday in Monroe Township has tested positive for the rabies virus, the Middlesex County Health Department announced.

The raccoon was found in the vicinity of Spotswood Gravel Hill Road and Garvey Drive.

On Monday, February 5, the Animal Control Officer for Monroe Township responded to that area for a report of a resident’s dog killing a raccoon. The raccoon was subsequently sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.

The test came back positive for rabies today, Tuesday, Feb. 6. There are no human exposures to the raccoon. The resident’s dog has a current rabies vaccination and they were advised to follow up with their pet’s veterinarian regarding any post exposure treatment.

This is the first rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2018 and the first rabid animal in Monroe.