PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A raccoon killed by a pet dog in Gloucester Township has tested positive for rabies. Camden County Health and Human Services officials say there doesn't appear to be any exposure to humans, only a potential threat to the dog.
The county health department says Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in Trenton notified of the dead racoon’s positive test result.
Officials say the dog that killed the rabid animal was up to date on its rabies shots, but a booster shot was given to the dog as a precaution, and it will be watched under confinement for 45 days.
County health officials say it is important for pet owners to keep all vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets up to date — and to try to keep them from coming in contact with wild animals.
“We investigate anywhere between 700 and 800 cases of bites and exposures every year,” said Caryelle Lasher, director of the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.
“It just happens a lot and it’s never expected. It’s just a really important message to the public to get their pets vaccinated, stay up to date with those rabies boosters.”
If a wild animal bites a pet, take the pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Health experts encourage any person who is bitten or scratched by a wild animal to seek medical attention immediately.
About rabies
Fewer than 20 cases of human survival from clinical rabies have been documented, according to the CDC. After clinical signs of the disease appear, it is nearly always fatal.
The incubation period between exposure to the virus and neurological symptoms may last for weeks or months, depending on the distance between the site of exposure and the brain and other factors. Initial symptoms, similar to those of the flu, may last for days. They may then progress to include cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion and agitation. The victim may experience delirium, hallucinations, fear of water and insomnia and may behave abnormally.