Rabid Groundhog Attacks Pet Pig in Old Bridge

Old Bridge, NJ - In addition to the rabid raccoon found in Spotswood last week, the Middlesex County Health Department announced Tuesday that a groundhog found in Old Bridge has also tested positive for rabies. The testing was done on the animal after it attacked someone's potbellied pet pig.

The groundhog was found in the vicinity of Darwin Road and Bentley Avenue. The pig survived the attack.

On Wednesday, June 29, a groundhog was found to be acting strangely and aggressively in an Old Bridge resident’s yard near their pet potbellied pig. The groundhog attacked the pig, county health officials said.

The groundhog was killed by the owner in the altercation and was sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on Friday, July 1, that the animal tested positive for rabies. The potbellied pig has been considered exposed to this animal and New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Division will be handling its quarantine, usually for a period of 45 days.

The four residents at the home have received rabies post-exposure treatment.

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