Health & Fitness

Rabid Raccoon Found In Old Bridge Backyard

An Old Bridge resident discovered a lethargic raccoon in their backyard Sunday:

OLD BRIDGE, NJ — A "lethargic" raccoon found Sunday in the backyard of an Old Bridge home died, and later tested positive for the rabies virus, announced Middlesex County.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, an Old Bridge resident discovered a lethargic raccoon in their backyard, in the vicinity of West Greystone Road and Old Bridge-Englishtown Road.

Animal control responded and retrieved the raccoon. The raccoon was taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on Wednesday, October 28 that it tested positive for rabies.

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There were no human exposures and no animal exposures to the raccoon.

This is the fifth rabid animal reported in Middlesex County for 2026 and the first rabid animal in Old Bridge.

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Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to their local police department. Avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Keep dogs on leashes at all times and make sure they are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

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