The Burlington County Health Department announced on March 16 that a wild raccoon involved in an altercation with a dog near Blue Jay Lane in Mount Holly tested positive for rabies.
The incident occurred on March 11, when the raccoon fought with the dog and subsequently died. The animal was tested, and the positive result was confirmed to the health department five days later. Officials said the exposed dog had been vaccinated and received a rabies booster, while its owners were advised to undergo post-exposure treatment as a precaution.
At this time, the health department is not aware of any other humans or pets exposed to the infected raccoon. Residents who may have been scratched or bitten by a raccoon, wild animal, or stray cat or dog in this neighborhood within the past month are urged to seek medical advice from their doctor and notify the Burlington County Health Department at 609-265-5073.
The department also encourages residents to check their pets’ vaccination status. Pets that spend unsupervised time outdoors and have not received a rabies shot within three months should get a booster. Rabies is described as a fatal viral disease affecting the brain, spread through saliva via bites or contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. To prevent infection, officials recommend keeping pets up-to-date on vaccinations and avoiding contact with stray animals or wildlife. Residents are advised not to handle such animals themselves but instead contact local animal control officers.
Free vaccine clinics are held monthly at the Burlington County Animal Shelter at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton. More information can be found at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/168/Animal-Shelter . Additional details about rabies are available from http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.
According to the official website, Burlington County features Historic Smithville Park, which spans 312 acres of forests, meadows, streams, and wetlands according to the official website. The county also recognizes community contributions through its Outstanding Women of Burlington County awards program according to the official website. Covering 827 square miles, it is New Jersey’s largest county by area according to the official website.
The Burlington County Library System aims to enrich lives by providing opportunities for learning and personal development according to the official website. The county operates under a Board of County Commissioners made up of five at-large members; Eve Cullinan serves as county administrator according to the official website. There are 40 political subdivisions within Burlington County: three cities, six boroughs, and thirty-one townships according to the official website.
