For Immediate Release
April 3, 2019
MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Township Health Department responded to a call concerning a sick raccoon in the area of Bellevue Avenue between Hamilton Avenue and Highland Avenue. Middletown Animal Control captured the raccoon and it was sent to the State Laboratory for testing. Laboratory results received on April 3, 2019 confirmed that the raccoon was rabid.
The Health Department would like to alert residents to be on the lookout for a white cat with a lame back left leg and large wounds on it. This cat may have been in contact with, and exposed to, the rabid raccoon. If you see this cat, do not approach it or try to pick it up. Contact Animal Control immediately at 732-615-2097 or the Police Dept at 732-615-2100.
Feeding cats outside is very dangerous as it attracts wildlife, causing interactions between the animals. All cats in Middletown must be licensed and have a valid Rabies vaccination. Middletown Township defines an OWNER in Statute 137-1 as; “Every person having a right of property, or having custody or keeping a dog or cat, or who harbors, maintains, regularly feeds, or knowingly permits a dog or cat to remain on that premises occupied by that person”.
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 avoid all contact. Call 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. If you are bitten or exposed to blood/saliva of an animal, contact your physician immediately. Contact your Veterinarian immediately if your pet was exposed to wildlife, even if previously vaccinated.
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