Rabid Fox And Cat Found In Mullica Township

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Atlantic County health officials are warning residents after a fox and cat found in Mullica Township tested positive for rabies.

A homeowner on Moores Avenue found a fox fighting with his dog in the backyard on Aug. 5 and on Aug. 6 a feral cat in distress was found on Moss Mill Road. Both animals were sent to the state lab for testing where they were later confirmed positive for rabies.

An investigation by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health has determined no known human exposures in the case involving the fox.

The homeowner’s dog, that was previously vaccinated, received a vaccination booster shot and has been placed under a 45-day informal confinement as a precautionary measure, officials said.

Two individuals who found the feral cat were advised to speak with their healthcare providers about the potential need for post-exposure treatment. An investigation is ongoing to determine if there were any animal exposures.

These two cases represent the fourth and fifth in Atlantic County this year. Previous cases have included two bats and a raccoon.

Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated.

Public health officials advise residents to teach children to stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals. Never feed or touch wild animals or try to keep them as pets.

If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. All bites should be reported to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971.

Residents are also reminded that rabies vaccinations are important not only to provide protection for pets, but to also help protect the pet owner and their family members from contracting the disease from an infected pet.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter holds free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats each month. The next scheduled clinic is Sunday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon, for cats only, by appointment. The clinic for dogs was held Aug. 1. Appointments can be made online at www.aclink.org/animalshelter.

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