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March 27, 2007
Woodbridge Township -- The Woodbridge Township Health Department has been notified by the New Jersey Department of Health of a positive case of rabies in a raccoon caught on March 21, 2007 in the vicinity of Hillcrest Avenue, Iselin, Woodbridge Township. The animal was recovered by the Woodbridge Township Animal Control and the carcass was provided to the State Department of Health forensic laboratory for testing. The positive test results were received today by the Woodbridge Health Department.
Dennis M. Green, Director of Health, and the Woodbridge Township Health Department urges caution when encountering a suspect animal and recommend the following rabies-related health information and precautionary measures:
- If you believe you may have come in close contact with a raccoon or other suspect animal exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior in the Iselin area over the past seven to 10 days call the Health Department immediately at 732-855-0600, Ext 5007;
- Rabies can affect any warm-blooded animal. Do NOT come in close contact with stray or wild animals and DO NOT let children play with or feed wildlife or unknown animals/pets;
- Be cautions when encountering wildlife as animals affected with rabies will deviate from normal behavior. If you see a wild animal acting erratic or unusual, contact the Woodbridge Health Department/Animal Control at 732-855-0600, Ext 5007;
- Make sure pets are current with rabies vaccine and health-related shots. If pets are not current, take them to a veterinarian immediately for a rabies vaccine;
- DO NOT feed pets or place food outside, as this practice will attract wildlife to the home or area;
- If you are bitten by an animal, especially one that is acting erratic or unusual, contain the animal if possible to do so safely. Alternatively, obtain a good description of the animal for later identification. Immediately cleanse the wound, seek medical attention, and contact the Woodbridge Health Department at 732-855-0600, Ext 5007.
For more information on rabies contact the Woodbridge Township Health Department at 732-855-0600 or the New Jersey Department of Health web page at www.state.nj.us/health.
John R. Hagerty
Mayor’s Office of Communications
(732) 602-6039
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