LEBANON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — A raccoon found in Lebanon Township has tested positive for rabies, prompting a public health alert for residents in the area of Winding Brook Lane, officials said.
The Hunterdon County Department of Health reported that the wild raccoon tested positive for rabies on Feb. 20.
Health officials are advising area residents who may have had contact with the raccoon between Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 to notify their primary care physician immediately or contact the Hunterdon Medical Center emergency room to discuss possible exposure and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
Officials reminded residents not to pick up stray animals and warned that saliva from infected animals should be considered infectious.
Pet owners are urged to ensure that cats, dogs and livestock are vaccinated against rabies through their veterinarian or at municipal rabies clinics. A list of upcoming free rabies clinics is available on the Hunterdon County Department of Health website.
For more information, residents may call the Hunterdon County Department of Health at 908-788-1351. After hours and on weekends, residents can call 908-788-1202. The Lebanon Township Animal Control officer can be reached at 908-763-5035.
