Two dogs fight rabid raccoon in East Brunswick

Two dogs at an East Brunswick home picked up a raccoon that later tested positive for rabies, Middlesex County health officials said Tuesday.

According to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services, the incident occurred on September 26th. Officials said the dogs were fighting a raccoon that wandered onto the family's property near Frost Avenue and Kings Road. The raccoon was captured by local wildlife officials and taken to the New Jersey Department of Health laboratory. On Tuesday, officials learned the animal tested positive for rabies.

Health officials say no humans were exposed to the rabid raccoon.

Authorities did not say whether the dogs suffered serious injuries, but both were treated by a veterinarian.

“The residents took their dogs to a veterinarian and had their rabies vaccinations updated,” the health department said in a statement.

The raccoon was the second animal to test positive for rabies in East Brunswick so far this year and the fifth reported in Middlesex County. The county says it will continue to monitor rabies cases in East Brunswick and encourages residents to report any wildlife that shows signs of unusual behavior. Animals infected with rabies may appear sick, move slowly or be aggressive, drool excessively, or be paralyzed. The health department adds that, if possible, homeowners should also take steps to screen vents or access points to attic areas that could provide shelter for bats or other animals that could be infected with rabies.

Health officials say animals such as bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs make up 95% of the animals that test positive for rabies in the United States.

Health officials also advise residents to contact their local health department immediately to report wildlife bites and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Families should also ensure pets have current rabies vaccinations.