ATLANTIC COUNTY — Health officials from Atlantic County are reminding residents to have their pets vaccinated after the county’s fifth case of rabies was found in a dead skunk.
The skunk was collected from a property on the 1200 block of 14th Avenue in Weymouth Township. The homeowner found the dead skunk on their property where the homeowner’s two dogs have access.
The skunk was collected by animal control and tested at a state lab where it was confirmed positive for rabies on September 3.
An investigation by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health could not determine in the dogs had been exposed to the skunk. Both dogs were current on their vaccination. But, as a precautionary measure, each received a booster vaccination and placed on a 45-day informal confinement.
“This is another example of the importance of vaccinating your pets against rabies that also helps protect family members from contracting the disease from an infected pet,” Atlantic County Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond said.
This is the fifth case of rabies found in Atlantic County in 2019.
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.
Never feed or touch wild animals or try to keep them as pets. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated.
The Atlantic County Animal Shelter provides a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats once a month at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville. The next clinic is scheduled for Sunday, October 13, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call 609-485-2345 or visit aclink.org/animalshelter.
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