Rabies Alert Issued Tuesday in Middlesex County; 2 Dogs Have Been Exposed

Spotswood, NJ - A raccoon tested positive for rabies in Spotswood, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services reported Tuesday, July 5.

The raccoon was found Wednesday, June 29 in the vicinity of Burlington Avenue and Madie Avenue in Spotswood. That same day, a groundhog that was later found to also have rabies attacked a pet potbellied pig in Old Bridge Township. The groundhog and raccoon make the ninth and tenth rabid animals reported in Middlesex County in 2016 and the first rabid animal reported in Spotswood.

The raccoon was found to be acting strangely and aggressively in a Spotswood resident’s yard by two dogs. An altercation occurred, the county said. The raccoon was killed by the owner in the altercation and was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. The test results came back Tuesday, showing the animal was positive for rabies.

The dogs are considered exposed and, while they have been treated by a veterinarian following the incident, the dogs will be quarantined for 45 days. The two residents were given a letter to see a physician regarding possible rabies post-exposure treatment. Additionally, Middlesex County Office of Health Services’ Registered Environmental Health Specialists will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the area.

If you live in Middlesex County, report all wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to your local police department. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses.

Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

· Move slowly

· May act as if it is tame

· Appear sick

· Have problems swallowing

· Have an increase of saliva

· Have increased drooling

· Act aggressive

· Have difficulty moving

· Have paralysis

· Bite at everything if excited