Friday, June 17, 2016

Absecon Bat Tests Positive for Rabies

A bat collected from a Coolidge Avenue property in Absecon has been confirmed positive for rabies, making it the sixth confirmed case in Atlantic County this year but the first found in a bat, according to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health. Rabies was previously confirmed in four raccoons and a skunk.

The bat was discovered in the home by the owner. It was removed by an animal control officer and sent to the state lab for testing where it was confirmed positive for rabies on June 15.

An investigation by the Division of Public Health determined that the owner’s cat may have had contact with the bat so it was placed on a 45-day observation period and provided with a rabies booster vaccination.

Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Atlantic County reported eight rabies cases in 2015 among bats, skunks, raccoons and a fox. Pet owners are advised to protect their pets with a rabies vaccination.

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 will be held on Sunday, June 26, 9-11 AM at the shelter. Dogs must be brought on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information call (609) 485-2345 or visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter.

Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine has been administered, therefore it is strongly recommended that any animal newly vaccinated or those too young to receive the vaccine (less than three months) not be left outdoors unattended. Situations have arisen where pet owners have left unvaccinated or newly vaccinated pets outdoors where they have sustained exposures to known or suspect rabid animals, resulting in euthanasia or six months strict confinement.

Public health officials also advise residents to teach your children to stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals. Never feed or touch wild animals or try to keep them as pets.

If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.

Report all animal bites to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5971.

For more information about rabies control and precautions to protect your family and your pets, please visit the county Web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call 609-645-5971.

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County News