| Intergenerational Services News Item |
Monday, September 28, 2009
Rabid Raccoon Found in Buena Vista Township
A raccoon collected from a residence on Greenbriar Avenue in Buena Vista Township has tested positive for rabies, according to Atlantic County Health Officer Patricia Diamond. An investigation by county health officials indicates that there were no human exposures or animal exposures.
The property owner discovered the raccoon on his deck on September 21 where it appeared sickly. Animal Control had previously received a report of a sick raccoon within two blocks of the residence and believed it could be the same animal. The raccoon was removed from the property and sent for testing at the New Jersey State Department of Health Laboratory. Test results were confirmed on September 25.
This is the sixth confirmed case of rabies in Atlantic County this year, but the first in Buena Vista Township.
Diamond reminds residents who find a wild or stray animal on their property to contact the local animal control officer to have the animal removed and sent for testing.
If you have been bitten or exposed to an animal through a scratch or had any contact with the animal's saliva, you should seek medical attention immediately and report the bite to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health by calling 609-645-5971.
Health officials also remind residents about the importance of vaccinating their pets. The Atlantic County Animal Shelter offers a free rabies vaccination clinic to residents each month. The next clinic will be held on Sunday, October 11, 10 AM to 12 noon at 240 Old Turnpike Road, Pleasantville. For more information, call (609) 485-2345 or visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter.
For more information about rabies control and precautions to protect your family and your pets, please visit the county Web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call 609-645-5971.
Click here for more rabies information.
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