Rabid Skunk Found in East Brunswick

A rabid skunk has turned up in East Brunswick, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.

According to an advisory from the department, the animal was found "acting aggressive" in the parking lot of the Mid State Mall earlier this month. It was captured by the East Brunswick Animal Control officer and sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing, where it tested positive for the virus.

No humans or animals were reported bitten by the skunk, according to the county.

The skunk is the first animal to test positive for rabies in East Brunswick in 2013 and the fifth animal with rabies to be found in Middlesex County this year, according to the county.

Rabies fact sheets will be distributed in the area where the skunk was found.

Residents are advised to report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior, and avoid contact with wild animals altogether.

Bites by any animals, wild or domesticated should be reported to the health department and a physician consulted, according to the county.

Pets should also be up to date on their rabies vaccines and licenses, according to the county. 

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