Rabid raccoon confirmed in Hunterdon County township after four reports of sick raccoons
BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Bethlehem Township officials are urging the public to report unusual raccoon behavior after four encounters involving sick raccoons were reported in the Iron Bridge Road area, including one animal that tested positive for rabies.
The warning was issued Friday, Oct. 16, by Animal Control Officer Robbie Lagonera in a public notice shared by Mayor Paul J. Muir.
According to Lagonera, four incidents involving sick raccoons have occurred in the same area. One of the animals was tested and confirmed positive for rabies, raising concerns that the others may also have been infected.
Lagonera explained that the state does not test animals for rabies unless there has been potential exposure involving people or pets, which is why only one of the four raccoons was tested.
The most recent encounter occurred Friday morning, when a raccoon reportedly behaved aggressively toward a resident and a worker, with the encounter continuing into the early afternoon.
Although raccoons are primarily nocturnal, Lagonera said seeing one during daylight hours does not necessarily indicate rabies. However, given the recent incidents in the Iron Bridge Road area, he is asking the public to report any unusual behavior, including daytime sightings.
Residents are encouraged to contact Lagonera at 908-763-5035 if they observe raccoons behaving unusually over the next several months before winter.
Lagonera said he will review the circumstances of each report to determine whether animal control intervention is necessary.
He also emphasized that the recent incidents do not necessarily indicate a widespread rabies outbreak. Similar clusters of cases can occur in areas with larger wildlife populations, particularly in this part of New Jersey.
The animal control officer said the goal is to manage the incidents and reduce the potential for rabies to spread through contact with uninfected animals.
Township officials are also reminding pet owners to ensure their animals are current on rabies vaccinations.
Free rabies vaccination clinics are scheduled to begin in November, and New Jersey residents may attend any participating clinic in the state, regardless of their municipality of residence.
Bethlehem Township’s free rabies vaccination clinic is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 1 p.m.
Anyone who notices unusual raccoon behavior in the Iron Bridge Road area is encouraged to report it to animal control rather than approach or attempt to handle the animal.
Anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention for an exposure assessment.
