MIDDLETOWN, NJ – The Middletown Township Health Department responded to a call concerning a sick raccoon on October 21, 2018. The raccoon was fighting with two dogs in the area of Normandy Court. Since the dogs were exposed to the animal, the raccoon was sent to the State Laboratory for testing. Laboratory results received on October 23, 2018 confirmed that the raccoon was rabid. Luckily, both dogs were currently licensed and vaccinated.
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.