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Rabid Skunk Confirmed In Camden County

VOORHEES TWP., N.J. (CBS) – The Camden County Health Department has confirmed one positive case of rabies in Voorhees, New Jersey.

Officials say that a rabid skunk was discovered in the yard of a Voorhees resident on Nov. 5.

Authorities say the homeowners called the municipal animal control officer after their dog was sprayed by the skunk. Officials report the husband of the house picked up the skunk and was exposed to its saliva.

Officials say the dog and husband have started post exposure prophylaxis after being exposed to the rabid animal.

Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez wants to remind residents of simple rules that will help you keep your family safe and avoid unfamiliar animals.

  1. Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
  2. Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
  3. Contact your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated and could be infected by the disease.
  4. Enjoy wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes from afar. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or liter.
  5. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
  6. Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly.
  7. Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people or pets.
  8. When traveling abroad, avoid direct contact with wild animals and be especially careful around dogs in developing countries. Rabies is common in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Tens of thousands of people die of rabies each year in these countries.

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