Atlantic County’s seventh rabies case of the year has been confirmed in a raccoon collected from a property in the 100 block of S. Jersey Avenue in Estell Manor.
The property owner was confronted and scratched by the raccoon on August 23.
An animal control officer was called to remove the animal and it was then sent to the state lab for testing. The raccoon was confirmed positive for rabies on August 25. The property owner and another adult received post-exposure treatment.
Rabies is fatal if left untreated. It can be transmitted through direct contact with saliva through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth.
Most human cases of rabies are the result of a bite from an infected animal. 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.
This is the third raccoon to be confirmed for rabies this year. Rabies was also previously confirmed in two bats, a cat, and a skunk.
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 see wildlife that is behaving strangely, especially nocturnal animals such as skunks and raccoons found during daylight hours, do not approach the animal. Instead, call your local animal control officer. Contact information is available on the county web site at: www.aclink.org/animal-shelter/municipal.asp
Residents should ensure trash cans have secure lids to prevent wildlife from foraging for food and not leave pet food outside. Many animals are also attracted to bird seed.
A rabies vaccination is recommended for domestic animals to not only protect the pet but also the pet owner and family members who could contract rabies from an infected pet.
The Atlantic County Animal Shelter provides free rabies vaccination clinics each month for both dogs and cats by appointment only at www.aclink.org/animal-shelter. The next clinic will be held on Sunday, September 10, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at 240 Old Turnpike in Pleasantville.
For more information about rabies control and precautions to protect your family and your pets, visit the county web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call (609) 645-5971.
