Raccoon With Rabies Found in Avenel

Woodbridge, NJ - A raccoon captured on Feb. 6 in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township has tested positive for rabies, the township Department of Health & Human Services announced Tuesday afternoon.

An Animal Control officer responded to a report of raccoon acting strangely, running down the street during daylight hours near Chase Avenue.

The officer was able to net and capture the raccoon, and its carcass was transported to the New Jersey Department of Health forensic laboratory for standard rabies evaluation. The DOH advised Woodbridge Animal Control on Tues., Feb. 16 that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.

There is no indication that the raccoon had come into contact with any resident or domestic pet, township officials said. Prior to this, the most recent case of rabies in Woodbridge was in November, when a fox found near an elementary school in Colonia tested positive for rabies. Read that story here.

Be alert for rabies virus in Woodbridge

1. Residents in/near the Chase Avenue neighborhood in Avenel who may have observed or come into close contact with the animal should contact the Health Department at: 732-855-0600 x5007.

2. Rabies can affect any warm-blooded animal. DO NOT come in close contact with stray or wild animals and DO NOT let children play with or feed wildlife. Make sure trash, garbage, and recycling containers are closed tightly.

3. Be cautions when you observe wildlife acting erratically, as an animal affected with rabies will deviate from normal behavior. If you see a wild animal acting in an erratic or unusual manner, contact the Health Department/Animal Control at: 732-855-0600, Ext 5007.

4. Make sure pets are current with their rabies vaccine. If they are not current, please take them to your veterinarian immediately for a rabies vaccine.

5. DO NOT feed pets outside. This will attract wildlife to your home.