Rabid Skunk Found In Morris County Neighborhood

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A skunk has tested positive for rabies in Roxbury Township, according to local health officials.

Officials said that the animal was found in the Lower Berkshire Valley section of Roxbury Township, specifically on Gordon Road.

Health officials are asking residents to be vigilant for animals that may be experiencing symptoms associated with rabies, including:

• Uncharacteristic aggressiveness or fearfulness
• Excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth.
• Difficulty walking, staggering, or paralysis.
• Unusual nocturnal animals (like skunks, raccoons, or bats) appearing disoriented in the daytime or losing their natural fear of humans.

Roxbury health experts also ask that residents take steps to prevent rabies, including making sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, supervising your pets outdoors, and making sure your garbage is properly disposed of and contained.

State health experts advise that anyone, or anyone’s pet, bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and seek medical help.

Rabies is a contagious and deadly disease that can affect all mammals. The disease is spread through bites, scratches, or any exposure to an open wound.

“Behavioral signs of rabid animals, wild or domestic, may include staggering, restlessness, aggression, a change of the tone of their barks or growls, or choking,” health officials said. “Passive animals sometimes become fierce and aggressive. If you see a domestic or wild animal that is sick, injured, or behaving oddly, leave it alone and contact your local Animal Control Officer.”

For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.