Another Rabid Raccoon Found in Lawrence Township

Another rabid animal has been discovered in Lawrence Township.

Within the last week, a raccoon that “appeared ill and was not afraid of humans or animals” was spotted on Review Avenue, according to the township health department.

Testing was performed on the raccoon at a state health department laboratory and those tests came back positive for rabies, township health officials said.

“It is important for public health reasons to determine if anyone was in contact with this raccoon.  Please call the Lawrence Township Health Department at (609) 844-7092 if you know of any human or domestic pet contact with this raccoon in the past fourteen days,” township health officials said in a news release.

Early last month, the township health department announced that .

The township health department offered the following advice in its news release:

Rabid animals are usually both vicious and aggressive (“furious” rabies) or act dazed and are partially or totally paralyzed (“dumb” rabies). They often have trouble walking and may appear to be “drunk.” People should stay away from all wild and stray domestic animals, which are aggressive or appear to be sick. Some wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and groundhogs, may be able to infect people even though they appear to be normal, and these animals should be avoided at all times.

Because rabies has been identified in the area, it is important to remind all residents of the requirement and public health importance in vaccinating and licensing cats and dogs.  Please check your pet’s records to verify their rabies vaccination is current.