WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A raccoon that came into contact with two dogs in the area of Old Farmers Road and Youngman Drive in Washington Township has tested positive for rabies, local officials announced Friday.
The Washington Township Animal Control Officer was notified of the incident on Nov. 12 after the raccoon was observed exhibiting symptoms commonly associated with rabies. The animal was submitted to the New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratory, which confirmed the positive result on Nov. 13.
Animal Control is monitoring the situation and investigating any potential exposures.
Officials are urging residents not to handle wild or domestic animals that appear sick, injured, orphaned, or are behaving abnormally. Instead, residents should contact police dispatch so Animal Control can respond.
Domestic animals that have known or suspected exposure must receive rabies booster vaccinations and be quarantined under the direction of the Washington Township Health Department.
Anyone who sees a sick or strangely behaving wild animal—including foxes, skunks, and raccoons—should call police dispatch at (908) 876-3232 and avoid direct contact. Residents may also contact the Washington Township Health Department at (908) 876-3650 with questions.
Rabies Awareness
Rabies is a fatal viral disease spread through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. It poses a significant threat to unvaccinated pets, and officials are reminding pet owners to ensure vaccinations are up to date. This is the second confirmed rabid raccoon in Washington Township this year.
In New Jersey, bats are the animals most frequently found to carry rabies, but skunks, foxes, raccoons, and unvaccinated domestic animals can also spread the disease. Human rabies cases in the United States remain rare.
Animals infected with rabies may show signs such as staggering, restlessness, aggression, changes in vocalization, choking, or appearing unusually active during daytime hours.
Anyone bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar or potentially rabid animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. Reporting bites is legally required to ensure appropriate public health measures are taken.
How to Protect Your Family and Pets
Local officials recommend residents take the following steps:
- Keep pets and domestic animals current on rabies vaccinations.
- Prevent children and pets from approaching wild or stray animals.
- Seal or screen any potential entry points to your home, such as crawl spaces, attics, chimneys, and garages.
- Avoid leaving pet food outdoors and secure garbage cans.
- Do not feed, touch, or shelter stray or wild animals.
Residents should contact Animal Control through police dispatch if they encounter any domestic or wild animal acting unusually.
