Garden State Times

The Camden County Health Department has reported that a raccoon found in Lindenwold tested positive for rabies. The state Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the result after the animal was sent for testing at the Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton.

On October 9, a dog owned by a Lindenwold resident killed the raccoon in their backyard. The local Animal Control Officer retrieved the raccoon and facilitated its testing. The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services has since been informed about the rabid animal.

The dog's owners were notified, and they provided proof of vaccination. As a precaution, the dog received a rabies booster shot and will be confined under observation for 45 days. No human exposures have been reported.

Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, who liaises with the Camden County Health Department, stated, “Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment.” She advised those bitten or scratched by wild animals to seek immediate medical attention.

Betteridge emphasized responsible pet ownership to prevent rabies transmission:

- Keep vaccinations current for all pets.

- Supervise pets to avoid contact with wild animals.

- Seek veterinary help if your pet is bitten by wildlife.

- Contact animal control to handle stray animals.

She also warned against direct contact with unfamiliar animals:

- Observe wildlife from a distance without handling or feeding them.

- Avoid adopting wild animals or attempting to nurse sick ones.

- Educate children not to touch unknown animals.

- Prevent bats from entering occupied spaces.

- Be cautious around dogs when traveling abroad, especially in developing countries where rabies is prevalent.

For further information, residents can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or contact the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.