Rabid Raccoon Found In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A rabid raccoon found and removed from a Gloucester Township yard on Aug. 31 has since tested positive for rabies, Camden County health officials said.

There are no known human exposures to the rabid raccoon that was recently discovered, according to Camden County health officials.

More specific information regarding where rabid animals such as this raccoon were discovered cannot be provided, Camden County health officials have previously told Patch.

The rabid raccoon's discovery means at least eight rabid animals have been found in Camden County this year, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

A "few simple rules" can keep cases of rabies to a minimum among pets and their owners, according to Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge:

• "Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and ferrets."
• "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."
• "Contact [a] local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood."
• "Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health."
• "Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly."

More information about rabies can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control's website or by calling Camden County's Department of Health and Human Services at 856-374-6370, Betteridge added.

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