Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Rabies Confirmed in Galloway Township Skunk

A skunk collected from a residential property on Ash Avenue in Galloway Township has been confirmed as a positive case of rabies, according to Atlantic County Health Officer Patricia Diamond. An investigation by county health officials indicates that there was no human contact, although a family dog was bitten. Unfortunately the dog did not have a current rabies vaccination and was euthanized.

The dead skunk was collected from the property on June 11, 2005 and was tested at the New Jersey State Department of Health Laboratory. This is the third confirmed case of rabies in Atlantic County this year. The other confirmed cases involved raccoons.

Rabies is always present in low levels in wildlife in New Jersey. In Atlantic County it is more prevalent among raccoons and bats, but has also been found in skunks, foxes, domestic cats, groundhogs and other animals.

"Anyone who has been bitten by an animal or exposed through a scratch or contact with saliva should call a doctor immediately," instructed Diamond. The animal 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. Although most municipalities have already conducted their annual free rabies vaccination clinics, the Atlantic County Animal Shelter holds a clinic each month. The next clinic will be on June 26 from 10 AM to 12 noon at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville. Call 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 or foxes. Do not try to 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, visit the Atlantic County web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call 609-645-5971.

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