Raccoons are among the wildlife that will receive the rabies vaccine bait. (Photo iStockphoto.com)
A sick raccoon found in Egg Harbor Township has been confirmed as the county's fifth rabies case of the year, health officials said.
The raccoon was collected from the Atlantic County Firearms Training Facility on Betsey Scull Road last Wednesday, and is the third rabid raccoon found in the township.
Staff at the facility noticed the raccoon was behaving strangely and immediately contacted the county’s Division of Public Health, Atlantic County officials said Monday. The raccoon was removed and sent to the state lab for testing. Local health officials conducted an investigation and found no human exposures.
Rabies can be 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.
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. Visit www.atlanticcountynj.gov and search “Animal Control Services.”
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.
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.
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 for both dogs and cats by appointment only at designated clinics.
For more information about rabies control and precautions to protect your family and your pets, please visit the county web site: www.atlanticcountynj.gov or call 609-645-5971.
