New Jersey

Raccoon With Rabies Confirmed in Camden County, New Jersey

A raccoon that was removed from a yard in Camden County, New Jersey tested positive for rabies, according to officials.

The raccoon was killed by a family dog in a yard in Barrington last week. Tests were conducted by a veterinarian and officials determined the raccoon was rabid.

The dog who killed the rabid raccoon is up to date with its rabies vaccinations and received a rabies booster from its veterinarian, according to officials. Despite this, due to state regulations, the dog will be confined and observed for 45 days from the date of the incident.

“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”

Another raccoon tested positive for rabies in Gloucester Township back in October.

Officials released the following tips for pet owners or those who’ve encountered a wild animal:

  • Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
     
  • Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
     
  • Contact your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated and could be infected by the disease.
     
  • Enjoy wild animals such as raccoon, skunks, and foxes from afar. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
     
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
     
  • Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly.
     
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people or pets.
     
  • When traveling abroad, avoid direct contact with wild animals and be especially careful around dogs in developing countries. Rabies is common in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Tens of thousands of people die of rabies each year in these countries.

You can learn more about rabies by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. You can also call the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6370.

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