The Camden County Health Department recently confirmed that a raccoon in Gloucester Township tested positive for rabies. According to Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Health Department, “Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment.”
Following the incident of a resident observing their dog with a raccoon in the neighborhood, the raccoon was captured, tested for rabies, and found to be positive. The dog involved has since received a rabies booster shot and is undergoing a strict four-month quarantine. The Animal Control Officer is closely monitoring the situation to ensure safety.
In response to this incident, a “Health Bulletin” has been circulated in the area where the rabid raccoon was found, urging residents to take precautions. Betteridge advised pet owners to keep their animals’ vaccinations up to date and under direct supervision to prevent contact with wild animals, adding, “If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.”
Furthermore, Betteridge emphasized the importance of avoiding direct contact with unfamiliar animals and provided guidelines on how to safely interact with wildlife. She stressed the need to teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals and to prevent bats from entering living spaces.
Residents were also reminded to be cautious when traveling abroad, especially in developing countries where rabies is common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services can provide more information on rabies prevention and safety measures.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by rabies and the importance of taking proactive steps to protect both humans and pets from this deadly virus.
