Rabid Raccoon Found, 11th Case In Atlantic County This Year: Officials

SOMERS POINT, NJ — The 11th case of rabies in Atlantic County this year was confirmed in a raccoon found on Bala Drive in Somers Point, the Atlantic County Division of Public Health said Monday.

This is the third raccoon this year in the county to test positive for rabies, officials said. Other confirmed cases involve a horse, a groundhog, four skunks, one fox and one cat.

A homeowner found the sick raccoon in their backyard and contacted Wildlife Aid, officials said. The raccoon died shortly after and was sent to a state lab for testing, where it confirmed positive for rabies on Nov. 16.

There was no human or animal exposures, officials said.

"Rabies is a viral disease that 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," officials said. "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.

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 each month for both dogs and cats by appointment only at www.aclink.org/animalshelter. The next clinic will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 240 Old Turnpike in Pleasantville.

Officials shared the following advice for preventing the spread of rabies:

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.
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.
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 at: www.aclink.org/animal-shelter/municipal.asp