Raccoon Tests Positive For Rabies In East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – A raccoon from East Brunswick has tested positive for rabies, Middlesex County Office of Health Services said.

The raccoon was found in the vicinity of Frost Avenue and Kings Road.

This is the fifth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2024, and the second rabid animal reported in East Brunswick.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, two pet dogs of East Brunswick residents fought with a raccoon on their property. The animal was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.

On Tuesday authorities were informed that the animal tested positive for rabies.

There was no human exposure to the raccoon. The residents took their dogs to a veterinarian and had their rabies vaccinations boostered.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality.

Residents should report wild animals that show 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. Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including man. 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.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines in order to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:

• 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.
• Animal proof your home and yard
• 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.

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