Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Fourth Rabies Case Found in Egg Harbor Township

A fourth case of rabies has been confirmed in Egg Harbor Township, the third of which has involved a raccoon.

The raccoon was discovered by two dogs in the backyard of a property in the 100 black of Perry Lane in Egg Harbor Township on April 11. The owner had let the dogs out and soon heard them barking upon their discovery of a confused and lethargic raccoon. The dogs were taken into the house and the Animal Control Officer was called. The raccoon was sent to the state lab for testing where it was confirmed positive for rabies on April 16.

An investigation by the Division of Public Health has determined that there were no human exposures and that both dogs are current on their vaccinations.

Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond encourages residents to vaccinate their pets to protect them from the potentially deadly virus as well as to provide a barrier to human exposure.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter provides a free rabies vaccination clinic each month for dogs and cats. The shelter most recently vaccinated 319 pets at its last two clinics.

The next clinic will be held on Sunday, May 11 from 10 AM to 12 noon at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville. Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call (609) 485-2345 or visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter.
Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated. It is most common in raccoons and bats, but has also been found in skunks, foxes, cats, groundhogs and other wildlife in New Jersey.

Atlantic County reported eight positive rabies cases last year - four raccoons, two bats and two cats. Of the four cases this year, three involved raccoons and one case involved a skunk. All four animals were collected from Egg Harbor Township.

Click here to learn more.

County News