Deceased Raccoon in Chester Borough Tests Positive for Rabies

Chester Borough, NJ (September 12, 2025) - A deceased raccoon in the Hillside Road area of Chester Borough has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon, which was already dead when found, was picked up by Animal Control Solutions and submitted for testing out of an abundance of caution due to the presence of neighborhood pets. The Bernards Township Health Department received the positive rabies report on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect any mammal. It is contagious to animals and humans through a bite, scratch or open cut which allows exposure to the virus. Rabies poses a real threat, especially to unvaccinated domestic animals like pet cats and dogs. Pet owners are responsible for keeping their animals up to date with rabies vaccinations. They should not allow their pets to run at-large, which can put them at risk of encountering rabid wildlife. Discourage wild animal foraging by not leaving pet food outside and by securing garbage cans. Avoid feeding, touching, or housing stray or wild animals. 

Raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and unvaccinated cats and dogs are among the animals that can also develop rabies. Behavioral signs of rabid animals, wild or domestic, may include staggering, restlessness, aggression, a change of the tone of their barks or growls, or choking. Passive animals sometimes become fierce and aggressive. If you see a domestic or wild animal that is sick, injured, or behaving oddly, leave it alone and contact your local Animal Control Officer.

If you or a loved one are bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention. Ask your healthcare provider to report the bite and contact your local Health Department.

Chester Borough Administrator Lumarys Mendez reminds Borough residents that all pets, including licensed dogs in Chester Borough, must be vaccinated against rabies. Licensing your dog is required by law and dog license applications are available by calling the Chester Borough Board of Health Secretary, Deborah Johnston, at (908) 879-3660 ext. 2126.

For more information about rabies, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/

The Bernards Township Health Department is the contractual health agency for Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Chester Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Borough, and Peapack and Gladstone Borough