A raccoon found in a Gloucester Township backyard has recently tested positive for rabies, according to the Camden County Health Department.
The animal was discovered and confined by a local resident on June 1, and later picked up by the borough’s Animal Control Officer for testing. Lab results from the state’s Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in Trenton confirmed three days later that the raccoon was rabid. There were no known human or animal exposures.
“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the county health department. “If you’ve been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”
The health department is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of rabies, among them keeping vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and ferrets, and supervising pets to avoid contact with wildlife. Residents should also report stray animals to local animal control services, as they could be unvaccinated and potentially infected.
Betteridge also emphasized the importance of avoiding direct contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.
“Enjoy animals like raccoons and foxes from a distance,” she advised. “Don’t handle, feed or unintentionally attract them with garbage or litter.”
Children should also be taught never to approach or touch even friendly wild animals. In addition to local safety tips, officials also warned travelers to be cautious abroad, especially in countries where rabies is more common. Rabies kills tens of thousands of people each year in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ or contact the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6370.
