Sixth rabies case confirmed in Atlantic County

Health officials confirmed a sixth case of rabies in Atlantic County. A rabid raccoon was taken from a property Dec. 23, in the 400 block of Highland Avenue in Galloway Township. The homeowner noticed an ill raccoon in the back yard after letting their dogs out, and then called police, according to the report. Police arrived to find the animal injured and disoriented. It died of the illness. It is the third raccoon to test positive for rabies. This year, a skunk and two bats also tested positive. Health officials say while both dogs were current on their vaccinations, they were given a rabies booster vaccination as a precaution, and placed on a 45-day informal confinement. The confinement would have been as long as four months had their vaccinations not been current. Atlantic County health officials are reminding residents of the importance of having their pets vaccinated against rabies, which is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated in both animals and humans. “Rabies vaccinations also help protect family members from contracting the disease from an infected pet,” warned Atlantic County Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond.

Free rabies clinic

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter provides a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats once a month at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville. The next clinic is Jan. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call 609-485-2345 or visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter. Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine has been administered, therefore it is strongly recommended that any animal newly vaccinated or those too young to receive the vaccine (less than three months) not be left outdoors unattended. In situations where unvaccinated or newly vaccinated pets have been exposed, it has sometimes resulted in euthanasia or four to six months' strict confinement. Public health officials also advise residents to teach your 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. 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.