Camden County Government: Rabid Cat Confirmed In Berlin Township

Collingswood NJ

04 December, 2021

12:55 PM

Description

Press release from the Camden County Government: December 03, 2021 (Berlin Township, NJ) – The Camden County Health Department has been notified by the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services (NJDHHS) that a cat at an animal hospital has tested positive for rabies.   On November 27, a foster cat passed away at an animal hospital after a brief illness. The overseeing veterinarian then arranged rabies testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton (PHEL).   On December 2, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services was notified by PHEL that the animal was rabid. After speaking with the foster care provider, it was revealed that four family pets were exposed to the cat as well as two potential human exposures. No bites or scratches from the cat were reported.   The Animal Control Officer associated with Berlin Township, the veterinarians, the foster care provider, and the two others potentially exposed were notified. The exposed individuals were urged to speak to their physicians regarding post-exposure prophylaxis treatment for rabies. The Health Department received proof of vaccination for the 4 family pets. The pets will receive a rabies booster shot and will be under confinement and observation for 4 months.   "Rabies is a serious illness but luckily, it can be prevented by early treatment," said Commissioner Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department.  "In the event that you are scratched or bitten by a wild animal, please seek immediate attention."   Rodriguez urged county residents to observe a few simple rules, including acting responsibly as a pet owner:     Rodriguez said it's also important to avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals:     Rodriguez said interested residents can learn more about rabies through the internet by accessing the information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ or, residents may call the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at 856-374-6370. This press release was produced by the Camden County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.