The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a raccoon testing positive for Rabies. The animal had contact with a dog on August 18, 2017. Fortunately, the dog was currently vaccinated against Rabies. The incident occurred in the area of Sears Avenue, located in the Atlantic Highlands area of the Township.
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 732-615-2097 immediately or contact the Police Department after hours and on weekends. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. Do not let your pets run free off leash, even in the woods, to ensure they do not come in contact with wildlife that may be rabid. Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is vaccinating your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.
The Middletown Township Health Department will be providing free rabies vaccinations for cats only on September 9, 2017 (9am-10:30am) and dogs only on October 14, 2017 (9am-11am). The clinics will be held at the Croydon Hall Gym, 900 Leonardville Road in Leonardo. Call 732-615-2097 for more information.