Piscataway Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies
A skunk found in a Piscataway backyard was confirmed to carry rabies, and two animals that were exposed to it are being treated.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Wildlife
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A skunk found October 29 in a backyard near South Randolphville and Sydney roads in Piscataway tested positive for rabies on November 5. Animal control took the skunk to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing after a resident discovered it on their property.
Why it matters
Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, so confirmed cases in local wildlife raise the risk of exposure for residents and pets. Two animals that came into contact with the skunk were treated by a veterinarian.
The New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory confirmed rabies in the skunk, which was found sick on October 29 and tested on November 5. Two animals exposed to the skunk were treated by a veterinarian, but the report does not say whether any other animals in the area have been tested.
The players
New Jersey Department of Health
The state agency that operates the laboratory where the skunk was tested for rabies and oversees public health responses to animal-borne diseases in New Jersey.
The details
Animal control collected the skunk from a Piscataway backyard near South Randolphville and Sydney roads and transported it to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory. The two animals exposed to the skunk were treated by a veterinarian.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Skunk found in a Piscataway backyard.
November 5, 2026: Lab results confirmed the skunk had rabies.
Big Picture
The confirmed skunk case is one result of New Jersey's rabies surveillance program, which routes suspect wild animals to the state health department laboratory for testing. Skunks are among the wild animals the state tracks for the disease.
Residents who see a skunk acting strangely should keep pets indoors and contact animal control rather than approaching the animal. Anyone whose pet came into contact with a wild animal should check with a veterinarian about rabies exposure.
The takeaway
Wild animals that look sick or disoriented should be reported to local animal control, since laboratory testing is the only way to confirm rabies. Keeping pets vaccinated protects them if they encounter infected wildlife.
Further reading
Learn more about wildlife and the animals that live near Piscataway homes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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