The first rabid animal in Highland Park--and 12th in Middlesex County--was found July 2 in a resident's yard.
HIGHLAND PARK -- A raccoon that got into a fight with a pet cat in a yard in the vicinity of Harrison Avenue and Madison Avenue has tested positive for rabies, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.
The animal was seen in the yard, acting strangely, on July 2, near the owner's pet cat and then became involved in a fight with the cart, who subsequently scratched the owner, according to a statement released by health services office.
Officials said the raccoon was killed and sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. The results returned July 7, reporting that the animal tested positive for rabies.
The raccoon was the first rabid animal reported in Highland Park, but the 12th rabid animal reported in Middlesex County this year.
Officials said the cat at the residence is considered exposed to the animal and has been placed under 45 day quarantine while the resident has received notice to consult with a physician regarding potential rabies post exposure treatment.
County environmental health specialists will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the area, officials said.
Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut.
The health services office advises residents to immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department, wash animal bites with soap and water, consult a physician as soon as possible, immediately report any wild animal showing signs of unusual behavior and be sure all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.