The Middletown Health Department received laboratory confirmation that a raccoon that came in contact with a dog on Dec. 24 had rabies., said Cindy A. Herrschaft, township spokeswoman.
MIDDLETOWN --Middletown health officials have issued an alert to residents after a raccoon that had contact with a dog tested positive for rabies.
The Middletown Health Department received laboratory confirmation that a raccoon that came in contact with a dog on Dec. 24 had rabies., said Cindy A. Herrschaft, township spokeswoman.
She said the incident occurred near Flomar Avenue and Leonardville Road in the Leonardo section of town.
The health department has warned residents not to have interaction with wildlife and asked that anyone who comes in contact with a sick or injured animal to call Animal Control at 732-615-2097 or the police department after hours and on weekends. Residents are urged to keep their distance from sick or injured animals.
Herrschaft also reminded residents to have all domestic animals - including cats, dogs and livestock - vaccinated with a rabies shot. Owners should not let their pets run free off a leash - even in the woods - to ensure that they don't come in contact with wildlife that may be infected with the potentially fatal disease, she said.
The Middletown Health Department will be providing free rabies vaccinations for dogs on Jan. 23 at the Croydon Hall Gym, 900 Leonardville Rd., from from 9 a.m. to 11am. Township residents can call 732-615-2097 for more information.
MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
