Rabies Alert: Two Raccoons in M'town

has received laboratory confirmation today (Feb. 1) of .

These new reports bring the total number of wild animals testing positive for rabies within the last few weeks to four.

The raccoons were tested after they were found to be in altercations with dogs. One was in the area of Tindall Road, while the other was by Prospect Avenue, Atlantic Highlands.

Luckily, both dogs were up to date on their rabies vaccinations and only needed to receive a rabies booster and a 45-day quarantine, according to Health Department Director Rich DeBenedetto. Previously, a skunk and another raccoon tested positive in December.

In light of finding two more rabid animals within a short period of time, we would like to remind residents about the possibility of wildlife being infected with rabies.

Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. If these dogs were not currently vaccinated, they would have been ordered to be confined for six months in an approved pen or facility, or humanely euthanized to protect the family members from possible exposure to the Rabies Virus, DeBenedetto added.

Residents should not be interacting with wildlife. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and please contact Animal Control at 732-615-2094 immediately or contact the Police Department after hours and on weekends. Remember, rabies is a fatal disease.

The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling wildlife.