Rabies Alert 9-13-12

Cat only rabies clinic 9/22, 9-11am; Dog only clinic 10/13, 9 am to noon

The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a raccoon testing positive for Rabies. This new reports bring the total number of wild animals testing positive for Rabies this year to 6 ( 1 bat, 5 raccoons ).

The raccoon was tested after it was found to be in altercations with a dog. This incident happened in the area of Trovillo Ct., located in the vicinity of the Locust and Navesink sections of town. Luckily, the dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination and only needed to receive a rabies booster and a 45-day quarantine, according to Health Department Director Rich DeBenedetto.

In light of finding another 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. If this dog was not currently vaccinated, the owner would have been ordered to confine the animal for six months in an approved pen or facility, 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 732-615-2094 / 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.

If any pet owner is in  need of a rabies vaccination, please be advised that free clinics are being held by the Township. There will be a cat only rabies clinic held on September 22, 2012 from 9-11am and a dog only clinic on October 13,2012 from 9 a.m.-12.p.m. at the Croydon Hall complex, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo. For more information, do not hesitate to contact Animal Control at 732-615-2094.