A raccoon found in Barrington has tested positive for rabies, according to the Camden County Health Department. The notification came from the state Department of Health and Human Services after laboratory testing at the Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton.
The incident occurred on August 18 when a resident’s dog killed a raccoon in their backyard. Animal Control picked up the animal and sent it for testing. The results confirmed rabies, prompting health officials to notify both the animal control officer and the dog owners. A second family dog may have been exposed, along with three possible human exposures.
Proof of vaccination was provided for both dogs. The exposed dog received a rabies booster shot and will be confined and observed for 45 days. All potentially exposed family members were advised to consult their physicians about post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said 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.”
Betteridge also outlined steps residents should take as responsible pet owners: keep vaccinations current for pets, supervise them outdoors, seek veterinary care if they are bitten by wild animals, and contact local animal control to handle stray animals.
She further advised avoiding direct contact with unfamiliar animals, not feeding or attracting wildlife with unsecured garbage, never adopting wild animals as pets, teaching children not to approach unknown animals, preventing bats from entering living spaces, and exercising caution around animals while traveling abroad—especially in regions where rabies remains common.
For more information about rabies prevention and exposure risks, residents can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ or call the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6370.
