The Burlington County Health Department has confirmed that a kitten from the Burlington County Animal Shelter tested positive for rabies. The kitten, brought in as a stray on May 29, was quarantined under standard procedures and showed no symptoms during this period.
On June 19, the kitten was released from quarantine and put up for adoption. However, by June 24, it began to show symptoms of rabies. The department received confirmation of the positive test result on June 26.
Following exposure to the infected kitten, two employees at the shelter received rabies vaccine boosters. Both had been previously vaccinated as part of the shelter’s preventive measures.
An investigation is underway to determine if there were other exposures. Visitors to the shelter between June 19 and June 24 who had contact with a brown and black kitten are advised to seek medical advice and notify the health department at 609-265-5548.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting the brain, transmitted through bites or contact with saliva from an infected animal. It is common among wildlife in New Jersey. Officials believe the kitten contracted rabies before arriving at the shelter.
Residents are urged to ensure their pets’ vaccinations are current and avoid handling stray animals or wildlife. Local animal control officers should be contacted if stray animals are encountered.
For more information about rabies, visit http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/. Questions can be directed to the Burlington County Health Department at 609-265-5548 or the Burlington County Animal Shelter at 609-265-5073.
