Rabid Raccoon Attacks Dog, Person In South Jersey Neighborhood

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — A raccoon has tested positive for rabies after attacking a dog and a person on a walk in separate incidents in Collingswood, Camden County health officials said.

It wasn't clear if it was the same raccoon in both incidents, but county officials think it likely was due to the proximity, according to a news release.

A Collingswood resident reported that their dog had an altercation with the raccoon at their home on April 8, officials said. Animal control was called, but was unable to find that raccoon.

Then on April 9, another resident had an altercation with a raccoon while walking, officials said. Animal control was able to pick up the raccoon and send it for testing.

This week, it was confirmed by the state Department of Health and Human Services that the raccoon tested positive for rabies, the Camden County Health Department said.

The animal control officer, dog owner and the resident on a walk were all notified. The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services received proof of vaccination for the dog, it received a rabies booster shot and will be under confinement and observation for 45 days, officials said. All potentially exposed residents have started to receive post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PEP) for rabies.

“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”

Betteridge urged county residents to observe a few simple rules, including acting responsibly as a pet owner:

1. Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
2. Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
3. Contact your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated and could be infected by the disease.

Betteridge said it is also important to avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals:

1. Enjoy wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes from afar. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or liter.
2. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
3. Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly.
4. Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people or pets.
5. When traveling abroad, avoid direct contact with wild animals and be especially careful around dogs in developing countries. Rabies is common in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Tens of thousands of people die of rabies each year in these countries.