2 Women May Have Been Exposed To Rabid Raccoon In South Jersey

Officials in Gloucester County are searching for two women who may have been exposed to a rabid raccoon. The raccoon was picked up by the Gloucester County Animal Control at about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 30, in Franklinville, county officials announced this week.

It was picked up near Martino’s Barber Shop, located at 2453 Delsea Drive. Officials believe two women may have been exposed when they attempted to help the injured raccoon on the side of the road.

The Gloucester County Health Department is attempting to locate and assess their exposure. Anyone who has any information regarding their identities is asked to contact the health department at 856-218-4170 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and 856-589-0911 after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends.

The Gloucester County Health Department in conjunction with the Gloucester County Animal Control Office will be distributing information to the residents in the neighborhood of the incident.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus in the saliva of infected animals. If left untreated can cause death. Post exposure treatment is needed immediately.All pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets. Avoiding wild animals and keeping your distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite.

In order to ensure your safety, the Gloucester County Health Department recommends the following:

* IF YOU ARE A CAT OR DOG OWNER, BE SURE YOUR PETS HAVE CURRENT RABIES VACCINATIONS. CONTACT THIS DEPARTMENT FOR A SCHEDULE OF FREE RABIES CLINICS IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
* ADVISE YOUR CHILDREN NOT TO HANDLE STRAY OR UNFAMILIAR ANIMALS, AS WELL AS WILDLIFE.
* IF YOU SEE AN ANIMAL THAT APPEARS DISORIENTED OR EXHIBITS STRANGE BEHAVIOR, DO NOT HANDLE IT. IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICE AT 856-881-2828.

For more information on rabies, contact the Gloucester County Health Department at 856-218-4170.

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