Friday, May 9, 2014

Rabid Fox Found in Egg Harbor Township; Fifth Case this Year

Rabies has been confirmed in a fox that was found on a Devonshire Drive property in Egg Harbor. This is Atlantic County’s fifth case of rabies this year, all of which have been found in Egg Harbor Township.

The fox was found in the yard by the property owner and its dog on May 7, The fox appeared in a deteriorated state. It was removed from the property and sent to the state lab for testing where it was confirmed positive for rabies on May 9.

An investigation by the Division of Public Health has determined that there were no human exposures. The homeowner’s dog is current on its rabies vaccination but will be placed on a 45-day observation as a result of possible exposure.

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 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 previous cases this year, three involved raccoons and one case involved a skunk.

To learn more about rabies and how to protect your pets and family members, visit www.aclink.org/publichealth.

Click here to learn more about rabies.

County News