Fox found in U. goat pen tests rabies positive
A fox found in New Brunswick in the vicinity of College Farm Road and Route 1 tested positive for rabies Wednesday, according to a statement from the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.
This is the 14th rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2013 and one of the first rabid animals to be reported in New Brunswick, according to the statement.
The last reported rabid animal was tested positive for the virus in Metuchen last week, according to nj.com.
The fox appeared to be lethargic and sick, and was found in a goat pen at Rutgers University, according to the statement.
Rutgers farm staff captured the fox and a Rutgers veterinarian later euthanized it.
The goats in the pen near the area where the fox was found were vaccinated and placed under a 45-day observation period, according to the statement.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the county, according to the statement. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to their local Animal Control Officer.
Rabies is transmitted by a bite or contamination of an open cut, according to the statement. Any bites should be reported to a local health department, and a physician consultation for the victim should be scheduled as soon as possible.
