A raccoon has tested positive for rabies after attacking a dog and a person on separate incidents in Collingswood, New Jersey. The county officials believe it’s likely the same raccoon due to proximity.
A resident reported that their dog had an altercation with the raccoon at home on April 8, but animal control couldn’t find it. Another incident occurred the next day when another resident was bitten by a raccoon while walking. Animal control picked up the raccoon and sent it for testing.
This week, the state Department of Health confirmed the raccoon tested positive for rabies. The dog’s owner received a rabies booster shot and will be under observation for 45 days. All potentially exposed residents have started receiving post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PEP).
Commissioner Virginia Betteridge emphasized that early treatment can prevent rabies. She advised county residents to follow simple rules, such as:
– Keeping pets up to date on vaccinations
– Supervising pets around wild animals
– Contacting animal control for stray animals
– Avoiding direct contact with unfamiliar animals
Betteridge also recommended avoiding handling or feeding wild animals, and not adopting them into homes. She encouraged parents to teach children to handle unfamiliar animals safely.
Source: https://patch.com/new-jersey/collingswood/rabid-raccoon-caught-after-attacking-dog-person-collingswood