Rabid skunk confirmed in Cherry Hill after encounter with dog
Camden County officials say there were no known human exposures, and the vaccinated dog received a rabies booster.
More Stories
A skunk found in Cherry Hill has tested positive for rabies after an encounter with a dog in a resident's backyard, Camden County officials said Wednesday.
The dog got into an altercation with the skunk Aug. 14. A Cherry Hill animal control officer collected the skunk and arranged for it to be tested at the state's Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in Trenton.
The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services was notified Wednesday that the skunk tested positive for rabies. Officials said there were no known human exposures.
The dog's owner provided proof that the animal was vaccinated against rabies. The dog received a rabies booster and will be confined and observed for 45 days, according to the county.
"Rabies is a serious illness, but it can be prevented by early treatment after exposure," Camden County Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher said. "If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention."
County officials are reminding residents to keep their pets' vaccinations up to date and supervise them outdoors to reduce their chances of encountering wild animals.
