Atlantic County health officials report having caught a raccoon Wednesday in Absecon that tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case on rabies in Atlantic County in 2019, according to the county Division of Public Health.

The raccoon was found on a property in the 500 block of Delaware Avenue in Absecon.

Animal Control was called to the property to collect a raccoon that appeared sickly. The raccoon was humanely euthanized due to its poor condition and sent to the state lab for testing where it was confirmed positive for rabies on March 20.

An investigation by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health could not rule out possible contact and exposure by the property owner’s dog. The dog is current with its rabies vaccination but was placed under a 45-day informal confinement as a precautionary measure.

In 2018, Atlantic County had a total of 3 rabies cases involving two raccoons and a bat.

Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Pet owners are advised to protect their pets with a rabies vaccination.

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 will be in April.Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call (609) 485-2345.

 

 

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