The Ocean County Health Department today is reporting that 2 more raccoons have tested positive for rabies in Point Pleasant Borough. Just over a week ago one raccoon turned up positive in Point Pleasant Borough and another from Point Pleasant Beach. The new cases are from a population of other raccoons captured by animal control that were demonstrating symptoms of the deadly disease. The raccoons were captured on Ocean Avenue near Fleming Avenue.
The latest positive cases bring the total number of rabid animals captured in the county this summer to 5. Back in mid-June, a fox from Jackson tested positive after demonstrating aggressive behavior and bit a resident. Last year in Ocean County there were 2 cases of animals that tested positive for rabies. One animal was a raccoon and the other a bat.
Residents should follow some of the tips outlined below in an effort to protect and limit your family and pets from unwanted wildlife interactions and any potential rabies exposure:
What to do if you are bitten by an animal:
To make a rabies vaccine appointment for your cat or dog, please call the Northern Ocesan County Animal Facility at 732-657-8086 or the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility at 609-978-0127. Free rabies clinics are held every other Wednesday at each facility.
For more information regarding rabies please visit www.ochd.org or www.state.nj.us. You can also follow the Ocean County Health Department on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like us on Facebook. Download the Ocean County Health Department mobile app free from the Google Play/Android and Apple APP stores.