Second Rabid Animal Identified in Lawrence Township

Editor's Note: The following is an advisory that was issued today (Oct. 4) by the Lawrence Township Health Department. It follows a . 

Within the last week, the Lawrence Township Health Department was notified of a skunk on Royal Oak Rd in Lawrence Township. The skunk was in contact with neighborhood pets, therefore it was tested by the New Jersey State Health Department Laboratory and determined to be positive for rabies.

Today, Oct. 4, a second rabid animal has been identified in Lawrence Township. The Lawrence Township Health Department was recently notified of a raccoon on Surrey Drive. The raccoon appeared ill and was not afraid of humans or animals.  Due to the close proximity of other locations in which rabid animals were found it was tested by the New Jersey State Health Department Laboratory and determined to be positive for rabies.

It is important for public health reasons to determine if anyone was in contact with the skunk or the raccoon. 

Please call the Lawrence Township Health Department at (609) 844-7092 if you know of any human or domestic pet contact with the skunk or raccoon in the past 14 days. 

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.

Please contact the Lawrence Township Health Department at (609) 844-7089 for any additional information.