Rabid Stray Cat Confirmed in Camden County: Officials

LINDENWOLD, NJ — A stray cat found in Lindenwold turned out to have rabies, county officials said, while reminding residents to vaccinate their pets and keep them away from wild animals.

A resident found the sick cat on Nov. 16 and took it to a local animal hospital, said the Camden County Health Department in a news release.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the cat tested positive for rabies.

"The cat was exhibiting symptoms of rabies, was euthanized and the animal hospital arranged for rabies testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton (PHEL)," said the health department on Tuesday. "The only known human exposure was the Lindenwold resident."

Officials informed the resident and employees of the animal hospital, and said they advised the resident to talk to their doctor about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment for rabies.

“Rabies is a serious illness, but it can be prevented with early treatment,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Health Department.

Betteridge and the county health department said they urge residents to act responsibly as a pet owner by keeping vaccinations up to date and making sure pets do not come in contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.