Rabies Advisory

The Hillsborough Health Department was recently informed that a rabid raccoon that was in contact with several dogs at 512 Blackpoint Road on Sunday, May 8th, tested positive for rabies. Rabies is a virus that can affect any mammal and is contagious to humans through a bite (most often), scratch, or open cut/mucous membrane exposure to the virus. The virus lives in the central nervous system fluid and saliva of the affected animal. This infective fluid must enter the host’s body through an opening put there by a bite, or a scratch, or through the exposure of an open cut, or mucous membrane (i.e. rubbing eyes after touching saliva) to the saliva. 

Rabies is fatal unless treatment is given before symptoms begin. Please contact your physician immediately if you or your pets were in contact with this animal and may have been exposed to the rabies virus as described above. Treatment must begin immediately before symptoms begin or it will be fatal.  Also, please call The Health Department at 908-369-5652 immediately. 

Rabies has been present in the wildlife population since 1989, and all of NJ is affected. Rabies can make animals appear unusually aggressive or friendly/passive. Please be absolutely sure all pets are currently vaccinated against rabies, do not leave pets unattended outdoors, and if you see a sick animal or a stray domestic animal, please contact Hillsborough’s animal control officers at Animal Control Solutions at 908-722-1271 or the Hillsborough Police at 908-369-4323. Please see the Hillsborough Township website:www.hillsborough-nj.org, departments, health, and “animal alley” for more information on rabies and animal health. Be sure to license your dog so that you are sure it is current with rabies vaccinations. Licensing of dogs in New Jersey is a law. Rabies vaccinations in ALL cats and dogs, with few exceptions, are required in Hillsborough Township.