Rabid Raccoon in Piscataway is 10th Rabid Animal Found in County in 2012

Editor's Note: The following information is a press release from the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Piscataway in the vicinity of Patton Avenue and Elwood Street.

This is the tenth (10) rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2012 and the third (3) rabid animal reported in the municipality of Piscataway. 

The Piscataway Animal Control Officer responded to a complaint of a raccoon in a resident’s yard. The raccoon was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on September 26 that the animal tested positive for rabies.

Two potential human exposures and one potential animal exposure were reported to this Office. The pet cat received a rabies vaccination booster and was placed under a 6 month notice of confinement for observation.  The owners of the cat have been notified to contact their physician.  The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is distributing rabies advisory flyers and fact sheets in the area.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the County. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to their local Animal Control Officer. 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 and licenses.