MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Township Health Department responded to a call concerning a sick raccoon in the area of Elmwood Avenue near Portland Road on November 2, 2017. Middletown Animal Control captured the raccoon and sent it to the State Laboratory for testing. During their investigation, they found out that the resident was handling the sick animal trying to nurse it back to health. In addition, the raccoon was in contact with the resident's cat. Laboratory results received on November 6th confirmed that the raccoon was rabid.
Residents should be reminded not to interact with wildlife under any circumstance. 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 at 732-615-2100 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 the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.