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May 9, 2007

Raccoon Found in Colonia Tests Positive
Health Officials Offer Free Rabies Shots for Township Pets

The Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services has been notified by the New Jersey Department of Health that a raccoon caught on May 3 in the vicinity of North Hill Road in Colonia has tested positive for rabies. The animal was recovered by Woodbridge Township Animal Control officers and the carcass was provided to the New Jersey Department of Health forensic laboratory for testing. The positive test results were received on May 8 by the Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services.

Dennis M. Green, Director of Health, Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services, said that Township animal control officers responded to the North Hill Road area after receiving reports of an animal acting unusual and/or sick. Investigation by Animal Control did not uncover any information or indication that the diseased animal had contact with humans or domestic pets. This is the third confirmed case of rabies in a wild animal this year in Woodbridge Township. Township officials previously reported that a skunk recovered on April 24 in the vicinity of Rahway Avenue and Kings Court Road in Woodbridge had tested positive for rabies. On March 21, a raccoon captured in the vicinity of Hillcrest Avenue in Iselin tested positive for rabies.

Director Green reminded Township residents to employ caution when encountering a suspect animal and recommended the following precautionary measures: 

• If you have encountered or come in close contact with a raccoon, skunk or other suspect animal exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior over the past seven to ten days, contact the Department of Health immediately at 732-855-0600, Ext 5007;

• Avoid contact with stray or wild animals and DO NOT let children play with or feed wildlife or unknown animals/domestic 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 domestic pets have current 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 will attract wildlife to the home or area;

• If you are bitten by an animal, especially one that is acting erratic or unusual, safely contain the animal if possible. 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.

The Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services is offering free rabies inoculations for licensed cats and dogs on May 14, 16 and 17 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Woodbridge Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza (adjacent to the Main Library and Woodbridge High School). If your dog or cat has not been inoculated since 2004/2005, the pet must be re-inoculated this year.

Additionally, 2007 pet licenses may be purchased at the rabies clinic. All cats and dogs five months old and older must be licensed and inoculated. Dog license fees are $10.00 (not spayed/neutered) or $7.00 (spayed/neutered); cat licenses are $5.00. Pet owners must present proof of spaying or neutering. Dogs must be brought to the clinic on a leash and cats must be contained in a carrier and must be accompanied by an adult. For more information on the free rabies clinic, contact the Health Center at (732) 855-0600, Ext. 5003 or 5004.

John R. Hagerty
Mayor’s Office of Communications
(732) 602-6039

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