Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Two Additional Cases of Rabies Confirmed in Atlantic County

A skunk collected from a residential property on Tuckahoe Road in Weymouth and a fox collected from a residential property on Manheim Avenue in Galloway Township have been confirmed as positive cases of rabies, according to County Health Officer Patricia Diamond.

An investigation by county health officials indicates that there was no direct human contact in either case. A family dog was sprayed by the Weymouth skunk, but showed no wounds. The dog has been examined by a veterinarian and is up to date with its rabies vaccine.

County health officials collected the skunk on July 11 and the fox on July 13. Both were sent for testing at the New Jersey State Department of Health Laboratory. These are the fourth and fifth confirmed cases of rabies in Atlantic County this year. The other confirmed cases involved two raccoons and a skunk.

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 will host a free rabies vaccination clinic on August 14 from 10 am -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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