Health Officials Warn Residents, Pet Owners After 2 Raccoons Test Positive For Rabies In Camden County
By Cleve Bryan
HADDON TOWNSHIP, N.J., (CBS) -- People in Haddon Township are not surprised at all to learn of a rabid raccoon in their neighborhood.
"Haddon Township is notorious for the raccoons," says Debbie Sabila, "a couple times I actually took them and had animal control and they took them away."
Camden County health officials sent out a public notice Tuesday morning saying on February 3rd a dog killed a raccoon that tested positive for rabies.
Animal Control says this incident happened in the area of E. Clinton Avenue.
But that's not all.
Tuesday afternoon County officials sent out another notice – this one about a rapid raccoon killed by a dog on February 1st in South Camden on Fairview Street.
Officials say this doesn't mean there's an outbreak – but they want people to be careful with their pets.
"You may not realize it that the animal was infected and you may end up with an animal that becomes rabid which can be life-threatening not only to him but other children, adults, anyone that's around," says County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, health department liaison.
Experts say to always check your yard before letting a dog outside and keep their vaccinations up to date.
You should always avoid contact with raccoons and call animal control if you see one wandering around looking disoriented.
