ICYM: Middletown Rabies Alert 4/21/16

Middletown NJ:

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a raccoon testing positive for Rabies. The animal had contact with 2 dogs on April 19, 2016 which required testing of the raccoon. Luckily the dogs had current rabies vaccinations. The incident occurred in the area of Richard Terrace and Stephenville Boulevard.

Residents should not be interacting with 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 at 732-615-2100 after hours and on weekends.

Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies vaccination. Do not let your pets run free off leash, even in the woods, to ensure they do not come in contact with wildlife that may be rabid.

Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.

Additional Info about Rabies from the CDC

Middletown Rabies Alert 12/29/15

Middletown Alerts:
December 29, 2015

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a raccoon testing positive for Rabies. The animal had contact with a dog on December 24th, which required testing. The incident occurred in the area of Flomar Ave and Leonardville Road.

Residents should not be interacting with 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.

Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. Do not let your pets run free off leash, even in the woods, to ensure they do not come in contact with wildlife that may be rabid. Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.

We would like to remind everyone that the Middletown Township Health Department will be providing free rabies vaccinations for dogs on January 23, 2016. The clinics will be held at the Croydon Hall Gym, 900 Leonardville Road in Leonardo from 9am-11am.

Middletown Rabies Alert

Via Middletown Matters Weekly Newsletter:


The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of 2 skunks testing positive for Rabies. These skunks were both killed in separate instances by dogs, which required that they be tested. Luckily, both dogs were licensed and up to date on their rabies vaccinations. One skunk was found on Cherry Tree lane near Nottingham Lane, the other was found in the area of Pelican and Lyon Roads.

Residents should not be interacting with 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. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. Do not let your pets run free off leash, even in the woods, to ensure they do not come in contact with wildlife that may be rabid. Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.

We would like to remind everyone that the Middletown Township Health Department will be providing free rabies vaccinations for dogs on October 17, 2015. The clinics will be held at the Croydon Hall Gym, 900 Leonardville Road in Leonardo.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact Animal Control at 732-615-2097.

Middletown Rabies Alert 7-29-15

From Middletown Alerts:

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a raccoon testing positive for Rabies. The raccoon was tested after possible interaction with a dog. This incident happened in the area of Millbrook Drive, located in the New Monmouth section of town. Luckily, no wounds were found on the dog according to Health Department Director Rich DeBenedetto.

In light of finding a rabid raccoon, we would like to remind residents about the possibility of wildlife being infected with Rabies. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. Domestic animals that are not properly vaccinated and come in contact with a rabid animal must be confined for six months in an approved pen or facility by the owner or humanely euthanized to protect the family members from possible exposure to the Rabies virus, DeBenedetto added.

Residents should not be interacting with 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.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact Animal Control at 732-615-2097.

Pet License Renewal Update

From Middletown Alerts:

The Middletown Health Department Animal Control Division is pleased to announce an upgrade to the pet licensing system is nearly complete. Please note that dog license renewals will be mailed in the next few weeks. With this new system, residents will be able to submit some forms electronically. The upgrade will be rolled out in several phases, culminating in an on-line renewal option. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we work to improve this township service.

Middletown Rabies Alert #12

From Middletown Alerts: 

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a raccoon
testing positive for rabies, bringing the total of animals testing positive this year to 14. This latest incident happened in the area of Seabird Lane.

Over the past few months, the township Health Department has found and reported raccoons and one fox that have tested positive for Rabies. The previous locations of the animals were:

• Maxson Ave
• Walnut Avenue
• Pate Drive
• Locust Point Road
• Pineridge Avenue
• Walnut Avenue between Pine Street and Chestnut Street
• 900 Leonardville Road, Croydon Hall Complex
• 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.

Rabies Alert #9: Two More Animals Found

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of two more animal testing positive for rabies, bring the total of animal testing positive this year to 10. The incidents happened in
the area of Locust Point Road and Pineridge Avenue

Over the past few months, the township Health Department has found and reported raccoons and one fox that have tested positive for Rabies. The previous locations of the animals were:

• Walnut Avenue between Pine Street and Chestnut Street
• 900 Leonardville Road, Croydon Hall Complex
• 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.

Middletown Rabies Alert # 8

From Middletown Alerts:

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of an eighth animal testing positive for rabies. The Animal Control Division responded after a resident noticed a raccoon was acting sickly in the backyard.

The incident happened in the area of Walnut Ave between Pine Street and Chestnut Street.

Over the past few months, the township Health Department has found and reported 6 raccoons and one fox that have tested positive for Rabies. The previous locations of the animals were:

• 900 Leonardville Road, Croydon Hall Complex
• 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.

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.

Middletown Rabies Alert #6

From Middletown Alerts:


The Middletown Township Health Department has received confirmation of a sixth raccoon testing positive for Rabies. The raccoon was captured and tested after a resident noticed the animal was acting sickly. The raccoon was found on Highway 35 between Kanes Lane and Kings Hwy East.



Previous cases were found over the last 2 months at the following locations:

• Red Hill Road between Dwight Road and Deepdale Drive,
• Michael Drive off of Nutswamp Road,
• Ueland Road off Nutswamp Road,
• Essex Street off of Bray Avenue,
• 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 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 is imperative 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.

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.

Rabies Alert #5

From Middletown Alerts:

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.

Rabies Alert # 4

From Middletown Alerts:

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of another raccoon testing positive for Rabies. This is the fourth report of a rabid animal this year. The raccoon was tested after it was killed by a dog. The incident happened in the area of Clay Court and Hartshorne Road. The pet owner contacted the Health Department after receiving the last Rabies Advisory sent out by the Township; otherwise, this incident may have gone unreported.


The dog involved in this altercation with the rabid raccoon was currently up to date on its rabies vaccination. As a result, it will be quarantined at home for only 45 days, as a precaution. This situation could have been more severe if the family pet was not properly vaccinated. Any dog or cat found to be in direct contact with a known rabid animal that is not properly immunized would be handled in a much different manner. The domestic animal would 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 is imperative 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 another rabid animal.

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.

Rabies Alert #3

From Middletown Alerts:

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a raccoon testing positive for Rabies. This is the third report of a rabid animal this year. The raccoon was tested after it was found fighting with a dog. Luckily the family pet was currently vaccinated against Rabies and is only under a 45 day quarantine. The incident happened in the area of Ueland Road, located off of Nutswamp Road, Red Bank. This is the second raccoon found in the area, with the first one around Michael Drive.

In light of finding another rabid raccoon, we would like to remind residents about the possibility of wildlife being infected with Rabies. It is imperative that all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently up to date with a Rabies vaccination.

Residents should not be interacting with 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.

Middletown Health Department Issues Rabies Alert

From Middletown Alerts:

The Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of two raccoons testing positive for Rabies this week.

The first raccoon was found in the area of Michael Drive, located off of Nutswamp Road. There was no direct contact with anyone or any domestic animals. The second

The second raccoon was found in the area of Essex Street and Bray Avenue in the North Middletown section of the Township. The raccoon did not have any reported contact with people or other domestic animals but was exhibiting signs of severe illness.

In light of finding a rabid raccoon, we would like to remind residents about the possibility of wildlife being infected with Rabies. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot.

Residents should not be interacting with 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.