Rabid raccoon found in Iselin, second in last year BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer WOODBRIDGE - A raccoon caught on March 21 in the vicinity of Hillcrest Avenue in Iselin tested positive for rabies by the state Department of Health last week. A resident notified officials of the raccoon and the animal was recovered by the Woodbridge Township Animal Control. The carcass was provided to the state Department of Health forensic laboratory for testing. The Woodbridge Health Department received the positive test results on March 27. This has been the second case of a rabid raccoon found in Iselin in less than a year. A positive case of rabies was found in a dying raccoon picked up on Gill Lane in Iselin on July 20, 2006. Dennis Green, director of health, and the township Health Department urge residents to use caution when encountering a suspected animal and recommend the following rabies-related health information and precautionary measures. + If it is believed that one may have come in close contact with a raccoon or other suspected animal exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior in the Iselin area over the past seven to 10 days, call the Health Department immediately at (732) 855-0600, ext. 5007. + Rabies can affect any warm-blooded animal. Do not come in close contact with stray or wild animals and do not let children play with or feed wildlife or unknown animals or 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. For more information, contact the township Health Department at (732) 855-0600 or the visit www.state.nj.us/health.