The raccoon reportedly attacked two dogs last Friday.
The New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Thursday that a raccoon picked up in Cherry Hill has tested positive for rabies.
On Aug. 17, a Cherry Hill homeowner’s two dogs were attacked by a raccoon that tested positive for rabies. There was no report of human contact. The raccoon was picked up by the Cherry Hill Animal Control Officer and submitted for testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton.
On Aug. 23, PHEL announced that the animal was rabid. The dogs are up to date on vaccinations and will receive booster shots. The name and address of the homeowner of the two dogs has not been released.
“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”
Rodriguez said interested residents can learn more about rabies through the internet by accessing the information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ or, residents may call the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374–6370.
