Garden State Times

A cat found in Voorhees has tested positive for rabies, the Camden County Health Department confirmed. The notification came from the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The stray cat was brought to an animal shelter on May 23 and monitored for signs of rabies. On June 5, it exhibited symptoms, prompting the shelter to arrange for testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton (PHEL). On June 10, PHEL confirmed the presence of rabies.

The only known human exposure involved a veterinarian from the shelter. The vet and employees were notified, and appropriate precautions were taken. The veterinarian has been advised to consult their physician about rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

“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 emphasized responsible pet ownership with several guidelines:

- Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.

- Supervise pets to prevent contact with wild animals. Seek veterinary assistance if your pet is bitten by a wild animal.

- Contact local animal control to remove stray animals from neighborhoods.

She also advised avoiding direct contact with unfamiliar animals:

- Enjoy wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes from a distance.

- Avoid handling or feeding wild animals and secure garbage cans to not attract them.

- Never adopt wild animals or try to nurse sick ones; instead, call animal control or rescue agencies.

- Teach children not to handle unfamiliar animals.

- Prevent bats from entering living spaces.

When traveling abroad, Betteridge advised avoiding direct contact with wild animals and being cautious around dogs in developing countries where rabies is more common.

More information can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ or by calling the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6370.