A raccoon found in a Galloway Township backyard is Atlantic County’s first confirmed rabies case of the year.
A homeowner found the raccoon in the backyard of the home in the 100 block of Sterling Avenue, county health officials said.The animal was tested and rabies was confirmed Wednesday.
Although the homeowner’s dog was also in the backyard at the time, an investigation by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health found there was no contact with the raccoon.
The dog received a rabies booster as a precautionary measure.Atlantic County health officials remind residents of the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies, a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated.
“Rabies vaccinations also help protect family members from contracting the disease from an infected pet,” Atlantic County Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond said.There were six cases confirmed in the county last year, including a raccoon found in another Galloway backyard last month.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 from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 9.Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call 609-485-2345 or visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter.
