The Camden County Health Department has been informed by the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that a stray cat found in Berlin Township tested positive for rabies. The incident was reported on July 14 when a resident discovered the cat and took it to an animal hospital. The hospital facilitated rabies testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton, and on July 17, confirmation came that the animal was rabid.
The only human exposed to the cat was the resident who found it. They have begun post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, and all necessary precautions were observed at the animal hospital.
“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” stated Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, 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.”
Commissioner Betteridge advised residents to adhere to several guidelines: keep pet vaccinations current, supervise pets to prevent contact with wild animals, seek veterinary care if pets are bitten by wildlife, and contact local animal control for stray animals removal.
She also emphasized avoiding direct interaction with unfamiliar animals: enjoy wildlife from a distance without handling or feeding them; avoid adopting wild animals; teach children not to handle unknown animals; prevent bats from entering living spaces; and exercise caution around wild animals when traveling abroad.
Further information is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or by contacting the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.
