Raccoon Killed In Camden County Tests Positive For Rabies

HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A raccoon removed from a yard in Haddon Township has tested positive for rabies, health officials said.

The exact location of where the raccoon was killed cannot and will not be released by Camden County, a county spokesperson said.

The raccoon was recently killed by two dogs, according to the Camden County Health Department.

The county is not aware of any individuals who came into contact with the raccoon before it was killed, the county also said.

The owners of the dogs who killed the raccoon provided proof their dogs were vaccinated against the disease, according to Camden County. These dogs will receive a rabies booster shot and then be confined and observed for 45 days, according to Camden County.

People and animals may be able to protect themselves by following a "few simple rules," said Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge.

She advised everyone to:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and ferrets
• Watch pets to ensure they are not bitten by a wild animal
• Avoid direct contact with any unfamiliar animal
• Contact an animal control agency to remove stray animals from the neighborhood
• Seek assistance from a physician if an unfamiliar and/or stray animal bites a person and seek assistance from a veterinarian if an unfamiliar and/or stray animal bites another animal

The rabid raccoon found in Haddon Township discussed in this story is at least the second rabid animal found in Camden County this month.

On July 14, Camden County health officials reported that a skunk removed from a Gloucester Township yard a few days earlier had tested positive for rabies.

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