Full Notification

TOWNSHIP OF MORRIS

50 Woodland Avenue
P. O. BOX 7603
Convent Station, NEW JERSEY 07961-7603
FAX NO. (973) 605-8363




DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
KEVIN P. BREEN, MPH.
HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR

(973) 326-7390
Rabies Alert

On Friday, November 18, 2011, the Morris Township Health Department received notification from a resident of being attacked by a raccoon acting aggressively. In the same area, on the same day, the Health Department received notification of another incident involving a raccoon and a resident and his dogs. The Morris Township Police responded and a raccoon was destroyed. These incidents occurred in the Terry Drive and Maxine Drive area of the Township. The raccoon was then brought to our veterinarian for specimen preparation. The raccoon was rush transported to the NJ Department of Health Laboratory for Rabies testing. The raccoon has tested positive for the Rabies virus.

If any residents, or your pets, in the above area have been bitten or scratched by any raccoon or other wild animal including stray cats, please contact the Morris Township Health Department immediately at 973-326-7390. If you know of any stray cats or dogs or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Health Department.

Rabies is a preventable, fatal viral disease found in the saliva of infected domestic and wild animals. The virus can be transmitted by a bite or saliva contamination of an open cut or wound. Common carriers of the virus are mammals including raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS. Do not make pets of wild animals. Please keep garbage in a container with a tight fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled bird seed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods. Please be certain that your cat or dog is properly vaccinated and up to date on rabies vaccinations. There are more cases of rabies in cats than in dogs; so rabies vaccination is especially important for cats. Be certain that your cat or dog is properly licensed, and is wearing their license tag.

If you are exposed (either bitten or scratched) by any suspect animal, act promptly. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your doctor and the Health Department. If your pet is involved with a suspect animal contact the Health Department and your Veterinarian.