The Somerset County Department of Health is warning residents that a raccoon found in the area of East Spring Street has tested positive for rabies.
SOMERVILLE - The Somerset County Department of Health is warning residents that a raccoon found in the area of East Spring Street has tested positive for rabies.
This is the second raccoon in this area that has tested positive for rabies in recent weeks, according to a news release.
The first raccoon was found on Oct. 14 after two dogs had killed it and were found fighting over it. The raccoon was sent to the public health laboratory at the New Jersey State Department of Health and tested positive for rabies.
Both dogs' rabies vaccinations are current; however, the owner has been asked to keep them confined for 45 days as a precaution. One other dog in the household will receive rabies boosters.
Somerville residents who see an animal acting strangely should call St. Hubert's Animal Control at 908-526-3330. In Somerset County, dogs and cats are required to be routinely vaccinated against rabies.
"If you or one of your pets are bitten or attacked by an animal, do not delay in reporting it to the health authorities," said Somerset County Health Officer Dr. Paul Masaba. "Rabies is a serious illness that can be fatal in humans without treatment."
People can get rabies through animal bites or when saliva of an infected animal enters the body through cuts or scratches, according to the news release.
Rabies is preventable with prompt medical attention. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal - including stray dogs and cats - should promptly wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention.
If a pet is bitten or scratched, take it to a vet promptly. In either case, be sure to report the incident immediately to the police and the local health department. For health department contact information in Somerset County municipalities, visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/health. A listing of upcoming rabies clinics in Somerset County can be found on the site under the events calendar.
According to the New Jersey State Department of Health, all areas of New Jersey are affected by rabid raccoons, resulting in an average of about 280 animal cases annually. Suburban areas in which raccoons, people and pets are in close proximity have the highest number of cases. From 1989 through 2010, over 6,000 New Jersey animals were confirmed to have rabies, 77 percent of which were raccoons.