First Rabies Case in 2019

ATLANTIC COUNTY, N.J. -
Atlantic County officials have confirmed the first reported case of rabies in the county this year.
Animal Control was called to a property on the 500 Block of Delaware Avenue in Absecon to collect a raccoon that appeared sickly. The raccoon was "humanely euthanized due to its poor condition" and was sent to a state lab, where on Wednesday, March 20th, it was confirmed to have rabies.
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health couldn't rule out that the property owner's dog has contact and exposure to the raccoon. The dog is current with its rabies vaccination and was put under a 45-day informal confinement as a precautionary measure.
In 2018, Atlantic County had a total of three 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 or visit aclink.org/animalshelter.
Pets that receive an initial rabies vaccination aren't considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine has been administered.
If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.
Report all animal bites to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5971.
For more information about rabies control and precautions to protect your family and your pets, please visit the county web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call 609-645-5971.

http://www.snjtoday.com/story/40180382/atlantic-county-officials-confirm-first-rabies-case-of-2019?fbclid=IwAR3swR_-GjRSE2XJUnIWuWe4ZPispF123F_1WB94vaFoXgWYGxSqtlO4EvQ