1st Rabid Skunk Reported In South Brunswick For 2025

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – A skunk found in the vicinity of Wheeler Road in South Brunswick has tested positive for rabies on Wednesday, authorities said.

On Jan. 13, a resident’s dogs were in a scuffle with the skunk. The animal was retrieved by Animal Control and taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory.

The State Laboratory reported on Wednesday that the skunk tested positive for rabies.

This is the first rabid animal reported within South Brunswick Township for 2025.

The South Brunswick Health Department continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department.

Additionally, residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to South Brunswick Health Department and consult a physician as soon as possible.

Residents should also ensure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses.

The South Brunswick Health Department is advising residents to follow these guidelines in order to prevent rabies from being transmitted:

1. 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 or scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

2. Immediately report any wild animal showing signs of unusual behavior such as:

• Moves slowly
• Appear sick
• Have an increase of saliva
• Acting aggressive
• Have paralysis
• May act as if it is tame
• Have problems swallowing
• Have increased drooling
• Have difficulty moving
• Bite at everything if excited. Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call the Animal Control Office or Police Dispatch.

3. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. If unsure, please call your veterinarian. Contact the health department or check the Twp. website for the free rabies vaccination clinic availability.

4. Animal proof your home and yard. Make sure all garbage containers have tight fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment and keep yard free of garbage and debris.

5. Do not feed or handle any wild animals.

6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.

7. Screen off vents or openings to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats

8. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals. Should your pet come in contact with a wild animal, call the Animal Control Officer or Police Dispatch immediately.

For reporting an incident with an animal or for additional information contact: South Brunswick Animal Control at 732-329-4000 Ext. 7265 South Brunswick Health Department at 732-329-4000 Ext. 7237 South Brunswick Police at 732-329-4646

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