2nd Animal Now Has Rabies In Middlesex Borough

MIDDLESEX BOROUGH, NJ — A few days after the Middlesex County health department announced that a man had been bitten by a rabid raccoon in Middlesex borough, the town now announced a cat has the rabies virus, as well.

It is thought to be a feral cat.

The man was trying to remove the rabid raccoon from his backyard last Wednesday, May 9 when he was bitten by it. Both the raccoon and the cat were found in the vicinity of Melrose Ave., Mulberry Lane and Dorn Ave., the borough said in a press release. The Animal Control Officer for Middlesex borough responded to the man's property and captured the raccoon. The raccoon was euthanized and later sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing; test results came back positive last Friday.

“Residents should stay alert and aware of the situation in our community,” said Middlesex Mayor Ron DiMura. “I want to thank the Middlesex County Office of Health Services for their efforts in informing our residents and I encourage everyone to take proactive steps in preventing this from spreading.”

The cat and the raccoon are now the fourth and fifth rabid animals reported within Middlesex County for 2018.

The man is currently receiving rabies preventative shots as a precaution. Past Patch reporting: Middlesex Boro Man Bitten By Rabid Raccoon, County Says

Middlesex borough residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the police department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible.

Signs of unusual animal behavior could include the following:

1. Moving very slowly, acting as if it is tame
2. Appears to be sick
3. Having problems swallowing
4. Having an increase in saliva
5. Having an increase in drooling
6. Acting aggressively
7. Having difficulty moving
8. Paralysis
9. Bites at everything

Shutterstock image