NORTH BRUNSWICK – Two animals tested positive for rabies in North Brunswick.
A raccoon was found to be acting strangely in the vicinity of Constitution Circle and Society Hill Way on July 17, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services in a statement prepared by the Middlesex County Office of Communication.
Animal Control officers were dispatched to the scene and captured the raccoon, officials said. The raccoon later expired in Animal Control custody and was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on July 19 that the animal tested positive for rabies.
The following day, a bat was found to be acting strangely in a North Brunswick resident’s yard in the vicinity of Adams Lane and 6th Street. Animal Control officers were dispatched to the scene and captured the bat. The bat later expired in Animal Control custody and was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing, according to the statement. It was reported on July 19 that the animal tested positive for rabies.
These are the 13th and 14th rabid animals reported within Middlesex County for 2016 and the first and second rabid animals found in North Brunswick this year.
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.