The Middletown Township Health Department responded to a call concerning a sick skunk on August 12, 2018 in the area of Sylvia Terrace between Maplewood Drive and Bayberry. Middletown Animal Control captured the skunk and sent it to the State Laboratory for testing. There was no confirmed direct exposure to any human or domestic animal, however a resident's dog was found to be in close proximity to the sick skunk. Laboratory results received on August 16, 2018 confirmed that the skunk 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.