Atlantic County’s First 2020 Case of Rabies Confirmed in Galloway

Atlantic County’s first rabies case of 2020 has been confirmed in a Galloway raccoon collected from a property on 100 block of Sterling Avenue, according to county health officials.

A homeowner found a raccoon in the backyard and called for assistance. The raccoon appeared ill and was removed and sent to the state lab for testing where it was confirmed positive for rabies on January 15.

Although the homeowner’s dog was also in the backyard at the time, an investigation by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health found there was no contact with the raccoon. The dog did, however, receive a rabies booster as a precautionary measure.

Atlantic County health officials remind residents of the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies, a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated.

“Rabies vaccinations also help protect family members from contracting the disease from an infected pet,” advised Atlantic County Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond.

During 2019, rabies was confirmed in three raccoons, two bats and one skunk in Atlantic County.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter provides a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats once a month at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville. The next clinic is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, from 9 AM to 11 AM. Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call (609) 485-2345.

Source:Atlantic County