Ewing Township officials are warning residents to avoid wildlife after a suspected rabid raccoon was reported Saturday near River Road and Wilburtha Road.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease spread primarily through animal bites, but also when saliva from an infected animal enters the eyes, mouth or an open sore.
Officials said in a newsletter alert sent to residents that people who did not touch the raccoon are not at risk, but anyone bitten or scratched should wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical attention and report the incident to the Ewing Township Health Department.
“Although most raccoons pose no risk, an animal that behaves unusually, such as lying on the ground or being active during the daytime, should be considered concerning,” officials said. They added that infected animals can also appear to behave normally.
Residents are urged to call Ewing Township Animal Control rather than attempt to handle the raccoon. Local and state health officials emphasize that early vaccination after exposure can prevent rabies infection.
IF anyone is bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then seek medical attention.
Ask the medical provider to report and coordinate with the Ewing Township Health Department.
Reporting bites is a legal obligation of exposed individuals and medical professionals to assure rapid actions are taken to protect the individuals involved and the public at-large.
Not all situations require post-exposure treatment. Health Department and Animal Control staff will work to locate, capture and test suspect animals in an effort to definitively identify if the animal is infectious.
Take these steps to protect your family and pets from rabies:
Make sure your pets and domestic animals are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations;Keep children and pets from approaching or touching wild or strange animals;Make sure that any openings to your home such as crawl spaces, chimneys, attics, porches or garages are sealed or covered with thick wire screen to prevent entry by wild animals;Discourage wild animal foraging by not leaving pet food outside and by securing garbage cans; and Avoid feeding, touching, or housing stray or wild animals.
Bats, raccoons, skunks and coyotes are among the animals that can carry rabies.
Residents who see an animal that is sick, injured or behaving abnormally should call Ewing Animal Control at 609-883-2900 ext. 7619 during weekdays. At night or on weekends, calls should be directed to Ewing Police at 609-882-1313.
