Rabid Raccoon Confirmed In Haddonfield, NJ

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ. (CBS) – Officials in Camden County, New Jersey say a raccoon that was found in the yard of a home in Haddonfield has tested positive for rabies.

Officials say a Haddonfield resident found an injured and disoriented raccoon in the backyard of the home on Sunday. Animal control officials were notified, the raccoon was removed from the yard and submitted for rabies testing.

The Camden County Health Department was notified by the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services that the tests determined the raccoon was rabid.

The family who found the raccoon says their puppy had been out in the yard earlier in the day, but they say the dog was never seen making any direct contact with the raccoon.

Officials say the puppy is current with its rabies vaccinations. However, the full series had not been completed due to the puppy's age. State regulations dictate that the dog be confined and observed for six months from the date of the incident.

"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 urged county residents to observe a few simple rules, including acting responsibly as a pet owner by keeping pet vaccinations up to date and making sure they do not come in contact with wild animals.

Rodriguez said it's also important to for adults and children to avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals.