The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a fifth raccoon testing positive for Rabies in as many weeks. The raccoon was tested after the resident noticed the animal was acting sickly in the backyard. The incident happened in the area of Red Hill Road between Dwight Road and Deepdale Drive.
Previous cases were found over the last 5 weeks at the following locations: Michael Drive off of Nutswamp Rd, Ueland Road off of Nutswamp Road, Essex Street off of Bray Ave, Clay Court off of Hartshorne Road.
The Middletown Township Health Department would like to remind residents to be aware of your pets when they are outside. Wildlife will be attracted to areas where residents put food out for their animals. Any dog or cat found to be in direct contact with a known rabid animal that is not properly immunized could be at risk. The domestic animal would have to be placed under either a strict 6-month confinement in a cage with no human contact or would be humanely euthanized to protect the family and the public from the Rabies virus.
It isimperative that all dogs and cats are licensed in the Township. A valid rabies shot is required for licensing and ensures that all of our domestic pets (dogs and cats) are protected and do not end up as noted above when found to be in contact with a rabid animal. License applications are accepted year-round. Call with questions regarding licensing.
Residents should not be interacting with any wildlife. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and please contact Animal Control at 732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Police Department after hours and on weekends. Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.
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