Rabies Found In Manalapan Raccoon

MANALAPAN, NJ — A raccoon found in Manalapan last week tested positive for rabies and now two dogs that got into a fight with it — along with their owners — are being monitored for the virus as well.

The news was announced by Manalapan Township: Last Tuesday, June 13, a resident reported that their two dogs got into an altercation with a raccoon in their backyard. The raccoon was killed by the dogs; its carcass was submitted for rabies testing and was found to be positive. The dogs were given rabies booster vaccinations immediately and have now been placed in a 45-day quarantine on the owner's property.

Because the owners handled their dogs immediately after they killed the raccoon, they are now being evaluated for possible exposure, as well. It appeared the raccoon may have been nesting below a shed on the property, Manalapan Township said. The property is bordered by a wooded parcel with a stream fairly close.