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Posted at 1:42 PM ET Sep 8, 2018 |
What we are working for the weekend of September 7th.
Jenna Intersimone, @Intersimone
A dog from the Township of Monroe killed a rabid raccoon, making it the ninth furious animal reported in Middlesex County in 2018.(Photo: GETTY IMAGES)
NEW BRUNSWICK – After the ninth furious animal has been reported in Middlesex County in 2018, the County Health Services Office informs residents of how to spot rabid animals.
On Thursday, the Middlesex County Health Services office reported that a raccoon had tested positive for rabies in Monroe Township, near Lori Street and Michelle Street.
This is the second raging animal confirmed in Monroe and the ninth for the county in 2018.
On September 1st, the Monroe Township Animal Control Officer responded to a property where a resident dog killed a raccoon.
The raccoon was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health laboratory for testing. On Thursday, the animal was tested positive for rabies.
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There was no known human exposure and there was an exposure of domestic animals to the raccoon. The resident's pet is currently vaccinated against rabies and has received a rabies vaccine.
In addition, an Environmental Health Specialist accredited by the Middlesex County Health Services Office will be distributing rabies fact sheets in the region.
The Middlesex County Health Services Office continues to monitor rabies cases in the municipality. Residents must report wildlife with signs of unusual behavior to the police service.
It is recommended that residents avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bite of wild or domestic animals to the local health department and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Finally, make sure all pets are up to date with their rabies vaccines.
Rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. 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 variants and bats.
Bats, skunks, marmots, foxes, cats and dogs account for approximately 95% of the animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.
Guidelines on rabies prevention
Middlesex County advises residents to follow these guidelines to prevent the transmission of rabies to their pets:
1. Immediately report a bite of a wild or domestic animal to your local health department.
- Thoroughly wash the animal bite wounds with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite.
- Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva from potentially rabid animals should also be washed immediately.
- See a doctor as soon as possible.
2. Report immediately any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior.
Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal can:
- Move slowly
- Can act as if tamed
- Appear sick
- Having problems to swallow
- Have an increase in saliva
- Have more drool
- Act aggressively
- Having trouble moving
- Have paralysis
- Bite at everything so excited
Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call your local animal control officer or local police department.
3. Make sure all pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccination.
- If in doubt, call your veterinarian.
- Call your local health department for the availability of the free anti-rabies vaccination clinic.
4. The animals to test your home and your yard.
- Make sure all garbage containers have tight fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water on the outside, do not let rain water come in. accumulate in containers
5. Do not feed or handle wild animals.
6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.
7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.
8. Turn off the vents to the attics and other areas that may house the bats.
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