Piscataway Dog, Owner Exposed To Rabies From Dead Raccoon

PISCATAWAY, NJ — Last Tuesday, a dog in Piscataway came into contact with a dead raccoon, and that raccoon tested positive for rabies virus, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services announced here.

The dead raccoon was found in Piscataway, specifically in the vicinity of Greenwood Drive and Cedarwood Drive. The dog is owned by a Piscataway resident.

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.

This is the fourth rabid animal reported in Middlesex County in 2025. Meanwhile, in Westfield a potentially rabid raccoon bit three residents last week, and health officials and animal control are still searching for the raccoon.

The bites happened on the 400 block of 1st Avenue and the 700 block of Scotch Plains Avenue on July 21 and on the 600 block of Westfield Avenue at night on July 23.

"The bites were all unprovoked and occurred in the afternoon and dusk hours while the victims were doing ordinary outside activities," said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle.

Possible Rabid Raccoon Who Bit 3 Westfield Residents Still On The Loose (Monday)

Residents should report wild animals showing 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.

Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs represent about 95% of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.

Make sure all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.