SPOTSWOOD – A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the vicinity of Burlington Avenue and Madie Avenue, necessitating the quarantine of two family dogs.
On June 29, a raccoon was found to be acting strangely and aggressively in a Spotswood residents’ yard by two dogs, and an altercation occurred, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services in a statement prepared by the Middlesex County Office of Communication.
The raccoon was killed by the owner and was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on July 5 that the animal tested positive for rabies, according to the statement.
The dogs are considered exposed to this animal, and while they have been treated by a veterinarian following the incident, the dogs will be quarantined for 45 days, officials said. The two residents were given a letter to see a physician regarding possible rabies post exposure treatment.
This is the 10th rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2016 and the first rabid animal reported in Spotswood, according to the statement.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the police department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses.