The Burlington County Health Department has announced that a wild raccoon in the vicinity of Blue Jay Lane in Mount Holly tested positive for rabies.
The raccoon died after tussling with a dog on March 11. Its remains tested positive, and the health department was notified on March 16.
The dog that had contact with the raccoon was vaccinated and got a rabies booster. Its owners were also advised to receive rabies post-exposure treatment as a precaution. The health department is not aware of any other humans or pets exposed to the raccoon.
Any person who’s been scratched or bitten by a raccoon, wild animal or stray cat or dog in the Mount Holly neighborhood in the last month should seek medical guidance and notify the health department at (609) 265-5073.
Residents are also encouraged to check on the status of their pets’ rabies vaccine. The animals should get a vaccine booster if they spend time outdoors outside of supervision and have not received a rabies shot within the last three months.
Residents should contact their local animal control officer if they encounter stray animals or wildlife, and should not try to trap or handle an animal themselves.
The Burlington County Animal Shelter hosts free vaccine clinics monthly. For more information, visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/168/Animal-Shelter. For more on rabies, go to https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.
