Atlantic County Reports First 2021 Rabies Case

PORT REPUBLIC, NJ — Atlantic County reported their first rabies case on Wednesday after a raccoon collected from a property in Port Republic tested positive.

The racoon was found in the 300 block of Sooys Landing Road, according to Linda Gilmore, Atlantic County’s Public Information Officer.

It was discovered by a homeowner in a chicken coop in their yard. The raccoon killed several chickens and chased the homeowner when approached.

Animal control was called to remove the raccoon and sent to the state lab for testing. An investigation by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health determined there were no human or animal exposures.

Officials remind residents of the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies. Rabies vaccinations also help protect pet owners and their family members from contracting the disease from an infected pet.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter is holding its next free rabies vaccination clinics for cats on Sunday, Feb. 28 and dogs on Sunday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Appointments can be made online here.

Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine is administered.

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