By KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
A racoon captured in the vicinity of Chase Avenue in the Avenel section of Woodbridge earlier this month has tested positive for rabies.
The Woodbridge Township Department of Health & Human Services had been notified of a positive case of rabies on Feb. 16. The racoon was captured on Feb. 6.
The Woodbridge Township Animal Control Division responded to a report of raccoon acting in an abnormal manner in the street during daylight hours, according to a release by John Hagerty, director of communications for Woodbridge Township.
The responding Animal Control officer was able to net and capture the raccoon. Subsequent investigation determined that there was no indication that the raccoon had come into contact with any resident or domestic pet. The raccoon carcass was transported to the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) forensic laboratory for standard rabies evaluation, Hagerty said.
Dennis M. Green, Director of Health, Woodbridge Township Department of Health & Human Services, urges caution when encountering suspect animals.
For more information contact the Woodbridge Township Health Department at 732-855-0600 x5027 or the New Jersey Department of Health web page at www.state.nj.us/health.