Middletown Rabies Alert #7

From Middletown Alerts:

The Middletown Township Health Department has received confirmation of a seventh animal testing positive for Rabies.

The Animal Control Division responded to calls regarding a fox that appeared ill walking around the Croydon Hall Complex located at 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo. Animal Control tracked down the animal and confirmed that the fox was presenting symptoms of disorientation, wobbly gait, aggressiveness and not being afraid of humans. The fox was captured by Animal Control and sent for testing. The New Jersey Public Health Laboratory has found that the fox was Rabid.

Over the past 2 months, the township Health Department has found and reported 6 raccoons that tested positive for Rabies, but this is the first in a fox. The previous locations of the raccoons were:

• Route 35 between Kanes Lane and Kings Highway East
• Red Hill Road between Dwight Road and Deepdale Drive
• 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 township would like to alert residents about the dangers of interacting with any wildlife. Rabies can be found in many animals. The Health Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to keep their distance from all wildlife, ill appearing or not, and to also keep an eye on pets around these animals. Do not let dogs or cats run free where they may become in contact with wildlife. All dogs and cats must be licensed in Middletown, which requires that they all have current rabies vaccinations.

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.