Woodbridge Rabies Alert Issued

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Woodbridge Township issued a rabies alert Monday afternoon, after a rabid raccoon was found last week in the vicinity of East Smith Street.

The raccoon was observed along East Smith Street last Monday, July 10. People who saw it said it appeared sick and was acting in an abnormal manner during daylight hours. Woodbridge Animal Control was called and the responding Animal Control officer was able to net and capture the raccoon.

The raccoon carcass was transported to the state health forensic laboratory for standard rabies evaluation, and on Monday, the state advised Woodbridge Animal Control that the raccoon indeed tested positive for rabies.

There was no indication the raccoon had contact with any resident or domestic pet, said Woodbridge's Health Director Dennis Green.

Still, residents who live near East Smith Street who may have observed or come into close contact with the animal should contact the Health Department at: 732-855-0600 x5007. DO NOT come in close contact with stray or wild animals and DO NOT let children play with or feed wildlife.

Image via Morguefile