News Department

Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Hunterdon County

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – The Hunterdon County Heath Department has issued a public health alert after a raccoon found in Holland Township tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon tested positive for rabies on March 11 and was in the area of Sleepy Hollow Drive, health officials said.

Area residents who may have had contact with this raccoon any time between February 25 to March 8 should notify their primary care physician immediately or the Hunterdon Medical Center Emergency Room to discuss concerns of possible exposure and the need for post exposure prophylaxis treatment, health officials said.

It is important to remember not to pick up stray animals at any time. Saliva from infected animals should be considered infectious, health officials said.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by saliva of an open cut or the eyes. The disease is transmitted from animals to human or from animals to other animals. Left untreated, humans can be protected by receiving rabies prophylaxis after exposure.

How can you protect yourselves from rabies?

  • Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep vaccinations up-to-date
  • Do not feed or touch wild animals
  • Avoid contact with strays or pets other than your own

All owners of cats, dogs and livestock should have the vaccination against rabies through their veterinarian or through municipal rabies clinics. For a listing of upcoming free rabies clinics, click here.

For more information, call 908-788-1351. After hours and on weekends, call 908-788-1202. To reach the
Holland Township Animal Control Officer, St Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center at 908-526-3330.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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