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ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ – Atlantic County’s health officials are warning residents after a fox and cat found in the Mullica Township test positive for rabies.
A homeowner on Moores Avenue found a fox fighting his dog in the backyard on August 5, and a distressed feral cat was found on Moss Mill Road on August 6. Both animals were sent to the state laboratory for testing, where they were later confirmed positive for rabies.
A study by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health found no known human exposures in the fox’s case.
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The homeowner’s dog, who had previously been vaccinated, received a booster vaccination and was placed in informal detention for 45 days as a precaution, officials said.
Two people who found the feral cat were advised to speak to their doctor about the possible need for treatment after exposure. It is currently being investigated whether there has been any animal exposure.
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These two cases are the fourth and fifth in Atlantic County this year. Previous cases included two bats and a raccoon.
Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated.
Public health officials advise residents to teach children to stay away from wild, stray, or aggressive animals. Never feed, touch, or try to keep wild animals as pets.
If you are bitten by an animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical advice. All bites should be reported to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971.
Residents are also reminded that rabies vaccinations are important not only to protect pets, but also to protect the pet owner and family members from contracting the disease from an infected pet.
The Atlantic County Animal Shelter runs free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats every month. The next planned clinic is Sunday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., only for cats, by appointment. The dog clinic was held on August 1st. Appointments can be made online at www.aclink.org/animalshelter.
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Rabid fox and cat found in Mullica Township
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