A bat found in Hamilton Township has tested positive for rabies, Atlantic County health officials announced Thursday.
Officials were called to the home in the 300 block of Hanthorn Avenue on June 26, after they found a live bat in the yard that the family dog was said to be investigating.
The bat was sent to the state lab, where it was confirmed positive on Wednesday.
The dog was current on its rabies vaccination, but given a booster shot and placed under an informal 45-day confinement as a precaution, according to the announcement.
It was the second confirmed rabies case of the year.
In January, a raccoon found in Galloway Township tested positive.
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.
In 2019, the county had six confirmed cases: three raccoons, two bats and a skunk.
The Atlantic County Animal Shelter plans to resume its free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats later this month in accordance with federal and state public health and safety guidelines for COVID-19.
Vaccinations will be available by appointment.
Once dates are confirmed they will be announced and registration will be available online at www.aclink.org/animalshelter.
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, call the division or go on their site at www.aclink.org/publichealth
