A raccoon captured last week in the Chase Avenue area of Avenel has tested positive for rabies, Woodbridge officials said. Watch video
A raccoon captured in the Avenel section of Woodbridge has tested positive for rabies. WOODBRIDGE -- A raccoon captured Feb. 6 in the vicinity of Chase Avenue in the Avenel section of Woodbridge has tested positive for rabies, township health officials reported Tuesday.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, health officials said someone reported the raccoon to officials after it was seen on the street in daylight hours acting abnormally. Officials said an investigation revealed the animals had not come in contact with any resident or domestic pet.
Officials said the dead raccoon was taken to the N.J. Department of Health forensic laboratory for testing and evaluation. The laboratory advised Woodbridge health officials Tuesday (Feb. 16) that the animal tested positive for rabies.
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Dennis Green, director of health, urged caution when encountering any animals acting abnormally and recommended residents in and around the Chase Avenue neighborhood in Avenel who may have observed or come into close contact with the raccoon to contact the health department at (732) 855-0600 ex. 5007.
Green said rabies can effect any warm-blooded animal. Anyone seeing wildlife acting erratically or in an unusual manner, contact the health department or animal control at 732-855-0600 ex. 5007.
Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
