Rabid Raccoon Reported In Middlesex County

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – A raccoon tested positive for rabies in Piscataway, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services said Friday.

The raccoon was found in the vicinity of Greenwood Drive and Cedarwood Drive.

On Tuesday, a Piscataway resident’s dog had contact with a raccoon that was dead. The raccoon was picked up by the Animal Control Office and was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.

On Friday the animal tested positive for rabies, officials said.

There was one human exposure and one animal exposure to the raccoon.

The resident was asked to consult with their physician and with their veterinarian regarding their pet dog, officials said.

This is the fourth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2025 and the first in Piscataway.

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.

All family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut.

New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95% of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.

Rabies Prevention Guidelines

1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department.

Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior.

Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

• Move slowly

• May act as if tame

• Appear sick

• Have problems swallowing

• Have an increase in saliva

• Have increased drooling

• Act aggressive

• Have difficulty moving

• Have paralysis

• Bite at everything if excited

4. Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call your local animal control officer or local police department.

5. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination.

6. If unsure, please call your veterinarian. Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.

7. Animal-proof your home and yard.

8. Make sure all garbage containers have tight-fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment and keep yard free of garbage and debris.

For additional guidance and information for residents, please contact the Middlesex County Office of Health Services at 732-745-3100.

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