Rabid Raccoon Found In Spotswood, Middlesex Co. Issues Advisory

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — A raccoon in Spotswood has tested positive for rabies, the Middlesex County Office of Health Service said Friday. There were no human or domestic animal exposures to the raccoon.

The raccoon was found in the vicinity of Burlington Avenue and Kane Avenue. This is the third rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2022 and the first rabid animal in Spotswood.

A resident found the animal on their property on Wednesday, from where it was taken t the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.

On Sept. 1, the raccoon tested positive for rabies, health officials said.

County health officials continue to monitor rabies cases within the municipality.

Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the local police department. Residents should also avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible.

All family pets should be up to date on their rabies vaccinations, officials said. 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.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services has issued the following guidelines:

• Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department. Wash bite wounds with soap and water as soon as possible. Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed immediately. Consult a physician soon.
• Report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior. Signs include moving slowly; acting as if tame; appearing sick; having problems swallowing; having an increase in saliva; having increased drooling; acting aggressive; having difficulty moving; having paralysis; biting at everything if excited.
• Animal proof your home and yard. Make sure all garbage containers have tight-fitting lids.
• Do not feed or handle wild animals.
• Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.
• Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.
• Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats