Morris County Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies Following Interaction with Dogs
Washington Township, NJ – A raccoon in Morris County has tested positive for rabies after an encounter with two dogs last week, according to local health officials.
On Wednesday, the dogs were in their backyard near Old Farmers Road and Youngman Drive when they approached the raccoon. While the dogs did not experience any bites or attacks, the raccoon was afterward captured and tested for rabies, with results confirming the presence of the virus.
Both dogs were current on their rabies vaccinations and will receive booster shots as a precautionary measure.
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or open wounds, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic.While human cases are rare – fewer than 10 fatalities occur annually in the United States – the virus is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Animals infected with rabies can exhibit unusual behaviors, including disorientation, difficulty walking, aggression, or atypical activity patterns for their species.
Health officials urge anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to a rabid animal to seek immediate medical attention.
