Rabid Skunk Found In Camden County

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A dead skunk removed from a yard in Gloucester Township earlier this week has tested positive for rabies, Camden County officials said.

Patch's email to find out exactly where within the township the skunk was killed and located was not immediately answered. However, in the past, Camden County has been unable to provide that information.

The rabid skunk was killed by a dog on July 10 and on Thursday Camden County was notified it was rabid, the county officials said.

"There are no known human contacts, which is good," said Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge.

The dog, who had been vaccinated for rabies prior to the incident, will receive a rabies booster shot and be under confinement and observation for four months, according to the county.

Camden County officials encouraged everyone to follow these steps to limit the spread of rabies:

• Keep rabies vaccinations current for all dogs, cats and ferrets.
• Watch your pets to ensure they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by such an animal, get veterinary help for that pet immediately.
• Reach out to your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Do not bring such animals into your home, do not adopt them, do not feed them and do not try to treat sick stray animals.
• Stay away from — and teach children to stay away from — wild animals such as raccoons, skunks and foxes, even those that seem approachable.
• Keep bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and similar type buildings.

From Jan. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2022, seven cases of rabies were detected in Camden County, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

This most recent case involving rabies is the first one in Camden County in 2022 to involve a skunk, the New Jersey Department of Health continued.

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