Old Bridge records fifth county case of rabies

Residents in Old Bridge should be more careful around wild animals after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. Health officials confirmed the result on Wednesday, adding the case to a list of five rabid animals found in Middlesex County so far this year.

The animal was found on Oct. 25 in a private yard near West Greystone Road and Old Bridge-Englishtown Road. The Middlesex County Office of Health Services said the raccoon looked lethargic when animal control officers collected it. The specimen was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health laboratory, which returned a positive result this week.

County officials stated that no people or domestic animals were exposed to the raccoon. This marks the first reported case of a rabid animal in Old Bridge for the current year.

Health officials are asking residents to avoid contact with wild creatures and to report any animals showing unusual behavior to local police or animal control. They also recommend keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Signs of abnormal behavior include excessive drooling, aggression, trouble moving, or acting unusually tame. If a person is bitten by a wild or domestic animal, they should wash the wound with soap and water and report the bite to their local health department. A physician should be consulted as soon as possible.

Residents who need more information can contact the Middlesex County Office of Health Services directly.