Raccoon in Spring Lake tests positive for rabies
(Photo: David Slater via Flickr)
Police are advising Spring Lake residents to stay alert after a raccoon recently tested positive for rabies.
According to a news release, Spring Lake police officers and Monmouth County Humane Society members captured a raccoon in the area of First Avenue and Worthington Avenue on Wednesday after receiving reports from citizens.
The raccoon tested positive for rabies the following day, according to the release.
“Residents are urged to take extra precautions while spending time outdoors,” the release states. “Any animal related concerns that a resident may have should be forwarded to the Associated Humane Society (732-922-0100) and the Spring Lake Police Department (732-449-1234) as soon as possible.”
Rabid animals display the following symptoms:
Are fully or partially paralyzed.
Experience a loss of appetite.
Exhibit strange behaviors, such as snapping at the air or turning in circles.
Are nocturnal animals who wander during the day or diurnal animals that start going out at night.
Drool excessively.
Are wild animals that show no fear of humans.
Exhibit symptoms of pica (eating substances that aren’t food, such as rocks, dirt or wood).
Have sporadic changes in mood or behavior.
Appear to be restless or aggressive.
Are obviously disoriented.
Acquire a change in voice (you may notice a change in the pitch and tone of your dog’s bark, for example).
For further information, visit the Center for Disease Control website.
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