2nd Rabid Animal Found In Middletown Last Week

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — It is spring and animals are starting to come out of their winter dens and burrows. Middletown residents are reminded to watch their pets and make sure pets are up to date on rabies shots, especially as now two rabid animals have had encounters with Middletown dogs last week:

On March 18, a rabid skunk got into a fight with a dog in the area of Riverbrook Avenue, Harvey Avenue and Shelbern Drive in Lincroft.

Then, just this past Friday, March 24 a rabid raccoon was found in the area of Millbrook Drive and Kenwood Drive.

Middletown Animal Control officers responded to a 911 call of a sick raccoon in the immediate vicinity of a resident's dog Friday on Millbrook Drive.

Middletown Animal Control successfully captured the raccoon. It was killed.

Lab results confirmed the skunk was positive for rabies.

First encounter this March: Rabid Skunk Gets Into Altercation With Dog In Middletown (March 23)

From Middletown Township:

Do not interact with wildlife under any circumstance. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and avoid all contact. Call Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Middletown Police Department at 732-615-2100 after hours and on weekends.

Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a rabies shot. Do not let your pets run free off leash, even in the woods, to ensure they do not come in contact with wildlife that may be rabid.

Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is to vaccinate your pets and to not handle or interact with wildlife. If you are bitten or exposed to blood/saliva of an animal, contact your physician immediately. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet was exposed to wildlife, even if previously vaccinated.