PRESS RELEASES

For Immediate Release

Friday, October 09, 2009

County's Seventh Rabies Case Confirmed in Galloway Township

Atlantic County health officials are reporting the county's seventh confirmed case of rabies this year after receiving confirmation from the New Jersey State Department of Health on October 8 that a raccoon collected from a Galloway Township property tested positive for the disease. This is the second case of rabies in Galloway Township. Both cases have involved raccoons.

The most recent case involved a raccoon that had been in an altercation with a Brook Lane property owner's two dogs on October 6. An investigation by county health officials indicates that the dogs were handled by their owner immediately following the incident in which the raccoon was killed. Both dogs are current with their rabies vaccinations and their owner has been advised to speak to a physician regarding rabies post exposure treatment.

Diamond reminds residents who find a wild or stray animal on their property to contact the local animal control officer to have the animal removed and sent for testing.
If you have been bitten or exposed to an animal through a scratch or had any contact with the animal's saliva, you should seek immediate medical attention and report the bite to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health by calling 609-645-5971.

Health officials also remind residents about the importance of vaccinating their pets. The Atlantic County Animal Shelter offers a free rabies vaccination clinic to residents each month at 240 Old Turnpike Road, Pleasantville. For more information, call (609) 485-2345 or visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter.

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.