Carcass of rabid skunk found in Woodbridge

BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE - A skunk that was caught in the vicinity of Rahway Avenue and Kings Court tested positive for rabies by the state Department of Health last week.

The Woodbridge Township Animal Control recovered the carcass of the skunk April 24. The carcass was provided to the N.J. Department of Health Forensic Laboratory for testing. The Woodbridge Health Department received the positive test results May 1.

Dennis Green, director of health at the township Department of Health and Human Services, said the investigation by the township animal control officers have failed to uncover any information or indication that the diseased animal had contact with humans or domestic pets in the area.

This has been the third case of a rabid animal in the township in less than a year.

A raccoon that tested positive for rabies was caught March 21 in the vicinity of Hillcrest Avenue in Iselin. Another raccoon that tested positive for rabies was caught July 20 on Gill Lane in Iselin.

Green urges residents to use caution when encountering a suspected animal and recommends the following rabies-related health information and precautionary measures:

+ If it is believed that one may have come in close contact with a raccoon, skunk or other suspect animal exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior over the past seven to 10 days, contact the Department of Health immediately at (732) 855-0600, ext. 5007.

+ Rabies can affect any warm-blooded animal. Avoid contact with stray or wild animals and do not let children play with or feed wildlife or unknown animals and/or domestic pets.

+ Be cautious when encountering wildlife, as animals affected with rabies will deviate from normal behavior. If a wild animal acting in an erratic or unusual manner is spotted, contact the Woodbridge Health Department/Animal Control.

+ Make sure pets are up to date with the rabies vaccine and health-related shots. If pets are not current, take them to a veterinarian immediately for a rabies vaccine.

+ Do not feed pets or place food outside, as this practice will attract wildlife to the home or area.

+ If an animal, especially one that is acting erratic or unusual, bites an individual, try to safely contain the animal if possible or obtain a good description of it for later identification. Immediately cleanse the wound, seek medical attention, and contact the Woodbridge Health Department.

The township health department is offering free rabies inoculations for licensed cats and dogs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on May 14, 16, and 17 at the Woodbridge Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza.

If your dog or cat last had a rabies inoculation in 2004 or 2005, your pet must be reinoculated this year.

Additionally, pet licenses for 2007 can be purchased at the rabies clinic at the health center.

All cats and dogs 5 months old and older must be licensed and inoculated. Dog license fees are $10 [not spayed/neutered] or $7 [spayed/neutered]; cat licenses are $5. Owners must present proof if their pet is spayed or neutered.

Dogs must be brought to the clinic on a leash and cats must be contained in a carrier. All animals must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the free rabies clinic, contact the Health Center at (732) 855-0600, ext. 5003 or 5004.