Rabid Skunk Found in Galloway

A skunk collected from the 200 block of Odessa Avenue in Galloway tested positive for rabies, Atlantic County officials announced on Tuesday.

It was the seventh confirmed case of rabies in the county this year, but the first to originate in Galloway.

The previous cases involved four raccoons and one fox.

The skunk was found in the property owner’s yard and exhibited aggressive behavior before it crossed the street into another property where it was captured and removed by the local animal control officer.

It was sent to the state lab for testing where it was confirmed positive for the viral disease on Aug. 28, 2014.

An investigation by the Division of Public Health has determined that there were no human exposures.

Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond strongly encourages residents to vaccinate their pets to protect them from the potentially deadly virus as well as to provide a barrier to human exposure. Residents are also advised to avoid contact with wildlife as another protective measure.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter provides a free rabies vaccination clinic each month for dogs and cats. The next clinic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville.

Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call 609-485-2345 or visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter.

To learn more about rabies and how to protect your pets and family members, visit www.aclink.org/publichealth.