Rabid raccoon is found in Mullica [Update]

From The Hammonton News - Atlantic County Health Officer Patricia Diamond confirmed that a raccoon collected on Fourth Avenue, near Weekstown-Pleasant Mills Road in Mullica Township has tested positive for rabies. An investigation by county health officials indicates that there were no human exposures and one possible animal exposure.

The property owner’s son discovered the raccoon attacking a cat on his property on June 9. The raccoon was removed by an animal control officer and sent for testing at the New Jersey State Department of Health laboratory. Test results were confirmed on June 11. This is the first confirmed case of rabies in Mullica Township this year and the sixth case found in Atlantic County in 2008.

“Rabies continues to be present in wildlife in Atlantic County. While it is most prevalent in raccoons, it has also been found in bats, skunks, foxes, cats, groundhogs, ferrets and dogs. Contact with any unknown or wild animal should be avoided,” Diamond said.

She advises residents to seek immediate medical attention if they have been bitten by an animal or exposed through a scratch or contact with an animal’s saliva. The incident should also be reported to the Division of Public Health by calling (609) 645-5971.

Public health officials recommend the following steps to protect your family and pets from rabies:

Make sure your dog or cat’s rabies vaccination is current. Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine has been administered therefore it is strongly recommended that any animal newly vaccinated or those too young to receive the vaccine (less than three months) not be left outdoors unattended.Situations have arisen where pet owners have left unvaccinated or newly vaccinated pets outdoors where they have sustained exposures to known or suspect rabid animals, resulting in euthanasia or six months strict confinement.Residents may check with their local municipality for date and location of their annual rabies vaccination clinic. In addition, the Atlantic County Animal Shelter holds a free clinic each month. The next clinic will be on June 15, 10 a.m. to 1noon, at 240 Old Turnpike Rd., Pleasantville. Call (609) 485-2345 for more information.

Keep your pet on a leash. Do not allow your pet to roam; it can come in contact with rabid wildlife.

Teach your children to stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals.

Never feed or touch wild animals, especially bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, or groundhogs. Do not keep these animals as pets.

If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.Report all animal bites to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5971. For more information about rabies control, Go online to www.aclink.org/publichealth or call (609) 645-5971.

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