2nd Dead Animal Found With Rabies In Piscataway

PISCATAWAY, NJ — First, a dead raccoon in Piscataway was found last week to have rabies, and now a dead skunk tested positive for rabies, as well.

The skunk was found more recently, this past Saturday, in the vicinity of Eva Street and Cumberland Road. The skunk was dead when it was found, however someone's dog rolled in the dead skunk or interacted with it, said the Middlesex County Health Department.

The carcass of the skunk was picked up by Animal Control, and results came back Wednesday that the animal tested positive for rabies. There was zero human exposure.

Last Tuesday was different, when someone's dog in Piscataway came into contact with a dead raccoon at Greenwood and Cedarwood drives. That dead raccoon also had rabies, and both the dog and its owner are now considered exposed to the rabies virus, which is nearly always fatal.

Both must take preventative treatment shots.

Last week: Piscataway Dog, Owner Exposed To Rabies From Dead Raccoon

Meanwhile, in Westfield a potentially rabid raccoon bit three residents last week, and health officials and animal control are still searching for the raccoon.

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.

Do not feed or handle wild animals. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats.

These could be signs of rabies in an animal:

• 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