Following the report of a raccoon attack in Hazlet Township, the Monmouth County Health Dept. reminds residents that rabies in wildlife continues to pose a risk to pets and people.
A Hazlet resident’s dog was bitten by a raccoon in its backyard on May 22. The raccoon has been captured by Hazlet’s animal control services provider, Middletown Animal Control. The raccoon has tested positive for rabies.
Because rabies is fatal once symptoms develop, the county Health Dept. advises residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of rabies by protecting their pets.
In addition to vaccinating your pets for rabies, there are several things residents can do to protect themselves and their pets:
- Avoid wildlife and animals you do not know.
- Keep your pet on a leash. Do not allow your pet to roam; it can come in contact with rabid wildlife.
- Never feed or touch wild or stray animals, especially stray cats, bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes or groundhogs.
- Teach your children that they should tell you if they were bitten or scratched by an animal.
- Call your doctor and the local health department if bitten or exposed to saliva or blood of a wild or stray animal.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet was exposed to a bat, raccoon, skunk or other wild carnivore.
If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention
Rabies Clinic
On Saturday, June 12, the Monmouth County Health Dept. will hold a Rabies Vaccine Clinic in Neptune Township Public Works Garage, 2201 Heck Ave. from 9 to 11 am. For more information, call 732-431-7456.
ANIMAL CONTROL
The Middletown Health Dept. is contracted to provide service to Hazlet Township.
To report sick or injured animals that pose a health hazard during week days, please contact the Middletown Health Dept. At night and on weekends, please call the Hazlet Police Dept. at 732-264-6565. The county dispatcher will route the call to Animal Control.
License Your Pet
The Hazlet Township Health Dept. handles licensing of dog and cats. Proof of rabies inoculation is required.. See more information and application.