RABIES ADVISORY

A raccoon found at 25 Alton Way, Washington Township on January 30, 2019 tested positive for rabies. According to the Gloucester County Animal Control Officer the raccoon was aggressively charging at people. The Gloucester County Animal Control Office will be distributing information to the residents in the neighborhood of the incident.

There has been no known human exposure with the racoon, but it is important that residents in this immediate area are aware. If you came in contact with a raccoon please contact your Primary Care Physician and our office. The GC Health Department phone number is (856) 218- 4170 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; please call (856) 589 – 0911 after hours. Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus in the saliva of infected animals. If left untreated can cause death. Post exposure treatment is needed immediately.

All pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets. Avoiding wild animals and keeping your distance from stray dogs and cats. Be aware that raccoons also feed in areas where outside cats are fed. In order to ensure your safety, the Gloucester County Health Department recommends the following:

* IF YOU ARE A CAT OR DOG OWNER, BE SURE YOUR PETS HAVE CURRENT RABIES VACCINATIONS. CONTACT THIS DEPARTMENT FOR A SCHEDULE OF FREE RABIES CLINICS IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
* ADVISE YOUR CHILDREN NOT TO HANDLE STRAY OR UNFAMILIAR ANIMALS, AS WELL AS WILDLIFE.
* IF YOU SEE AN ANIMAL THAT APPEARS DISORIENTED OR EXHIBITS STRANGE BEHAVIOR, DO NOT HANDLE IT. IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICE AT (856) 881-2828. For additional information on rabies please contact the Gloucester County Health Department at (856)-218-4170.
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