Rabid Raccoon Confirmed In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A raccoon found in the vicinity of Deans Lane and Blackhorse Lane has tested positive for rabies, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services said.

This is the third rabid animal reported within Middlesex County in 2024 and the first in South Brunswick.

On Saturday, July 20, a South Brunswick resident’s dog found a raccoon that appeared sick on their property.

The raccoon was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.

It was reported on Wednesday that the animal tested positive for rabies, officials said.

There were no human exposures to the raccoon and the resident’s dog is currently vaccinated for rabies.

In addition, it was recommended that a veterinarian give the dog a rabies booster vaccine.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality.

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 their local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible.

Rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including man. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite or possibly by contamination of an open cut.

New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:

Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to the 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 the saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately.
• Consult a physician as soon as possible.

Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior.

Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

• 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

Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call their local animal control officer or local police department.

Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination.

• If unsure, please call a veterinarian.
• Call the local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.

Animal proof the home and yard

• Ensure 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.
• Keep the yard free of garbage and debris.

Do not feed or handle wild animals.

Avoid contact with stray animals or other pets.

Try to prevent pets from coming into contact with wild animals.

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