Full Notification

For Immediate Release:  Tuesday, July 22, 2025
 
The Westfield Health Department has issued a public health alert following reports of a raccoon that has bitten two individuals in the 400 block of 1^st Avenue and the 700 block of Scotch Plains Avenue in Westfield.  The raccoon may be infected with rabies, and officials urge residents in this area to stay alert. Suspicious animal behavior includes any animal that appears disoriented and confused, has difficulty walking, or is aggressive. If residents observe any animal with these behaviors it should imediately be reported to the Westfield Police Department at 908-789-4000.
 
Rabies is considered a medical emergency.  If you or your pet had contact with a raccoon in this area, seek medical care right away.  Residents should avoid contact with all wild animals and keep pets under close observation at this time.   Rabies is preventable through vaccination  and pet owners should remember that the best protection is to vaccinate for rabies and license all pets with the town.