EAST BRUNSWICK – The Middlesex County Office of Health Services confirmed a raccoon tested positive for rabies in East Brunswick.
The animal control officer for the Township of East Brunswick responded to a report of a raccoon displaying neurological symptoms near a resident’s home on April 28. The raccoon was euthanized and sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on May 2 that the animal tested positive for rabies, according to information provided by the department.
There are no known human or domestic animal exposures to the raccoon.
This is the fifth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2018 and the first rabid animal reported in East Brunswick.
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.