BRICK – The Ocean County Health Department confirmed a report from a Brick veterinary office that a rabid raccoon was identified in that township recently.
Brian Rumpf, a spokesman for the health department, said there was an incident involving a raccoon that had an altercation with a dog. The raccoon was subdued and apparently killed by the dog’s owner, and was sent out for testing for rabies. That test, according to Brick Town Veterinary Hospital, came back positive.
The incident happened in Lake Riviera.
“My understanding is there is no human contact, no exposure to any other domesticated animal or human,” Rumpf told Jersey Shore Online. He was unsure how the owner saved the dog from the raccoon without touching it, but did say the owner acted appropriately. “The dog, which had previously been inoculated, was given a rabies shot and is reportedly doing fine.”
He said a rabid raccoon was reportedly seen in Brick back in February, but with the time lapse of six months between sightings, Rumpf doesn’t believe there is a pattern of infection that should alarm the public.
Rumpf stressed that if anyone observes peculiar, bizarre behavior in a domesticated or wild animal, they should call their local animal control officer immediately. They should not approach the animal themselves.
Rabies shots are the law. Rumpf encouraged residents to take advantage of the county’s free rabies clinics, held twice a month at both the northern and southern animal shelters: the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility, 615 Freemont Ave. in Jackson; and the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility, 360 Haywood Road in Manahawkin.
For more information, visit ochd.org/animal-shelters-adoptions/.
