Two More Rabid Racoons Have Be Found In Point Pleasant Boro

POINT PLEASANT, NJ – The Ocean County Health Department announced that two more raccoons have tested positive for rabies in Point Pleasant on Wednesday. Just over a week ago, one raccoon tested positive in Point Pleasant and another in Point Pleasant Beach. The new cases are from a population of other raccoons captured by animal control that demonstrated rabies-like symptoms captured on Ocean Road near Fleming Avenue.

These latest positive cases bring the total number of rabid animals captured in the county this summer to five. Back in June, a fox from Jackson tested positive after biting a resident, and last year in Ocean County, there were 2 cases of animals that tested positive for rabies, a raccoon and a bat.

Residents should follow some of the tips outlined below to protect and limit their family and pets from unwanted wildlife interactions and any potential rabies exposure:

• Animal-proof your house and yard. Make sure all garbage is stored in animal-resistant containers.
• Screen off vents to attics and other areas of your home that could provide shelter for bats and squirrels.
• Vaccinate your cat or dog against rabies. Unvaccinated pets can contract rabies from wildlife and can transfer the disease to humans. There are safe and effective vaccines to protect our pets, such as dogs, cats, and horses, and farm animals like cattle, sheep, and many others.
• Never try to pet or approach a wild animal – even if it appears curious or friendly.

If an animal bites you:

• Try and learn as much as you can about the animal. If it’s a known pet with a tag, contact the owner. If it’s a stray or wild animal, try to remember the last location you saw the animal and any distinguishing features or behavior that may assist animal control officers in identifying and capturing the animal.
• Wash your wound immediately with plenty of soap and water.
• Contact your healthcare provider or hospital emergency department for care and consultation regarding the need for rabies preventative treatment.
• Report the incident to the OCHD at 732-341-9700 ext. 7515.

To make a rabies vaccine appointment for your cat or dog, please call the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility at 732-657-8086 or the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility at 609-978-0127. Free rabies clinics are held every other Wednesday at each facility.

For more information regarding rabies, please visit www.ochd.org or www.state.nj.us. You can also follow the Ocean County Health Department on Twitter@OCpublichealth, like them on Facebook, and download the OceaSn County Health Department mobile app free from the Google Play/Android and Apple App stores.