Gloucester County Health Department seeking possible rabies victims

Press release from Gloucester County

A raccoon picked up by the Gloucester County Animal Control on Aug. 30 at approximately 12:30 p.m., near Martino’s Barber Shop located at 2453 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, tested positive for rabies.

The Gloucester County Health Department in conjunction with the Gloucester County Animal Control Office will be distributing information to the residents in the neighborhood of the incident. It was reported two women may have been exposed as they assisted the injured raccoon to the side of the road. The Gloucester County Health Department is attempting to locate and assess their exposure.

If you have any information regarding the identity of the people potentially exposed please contact this office immediately at (856) 218–4170 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and (856) 589–0911 after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus in the saliva of infected animals. If left untreated can cause death. Post exposure treatment is needed immediately.

All pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets. Avoiding wild animals and keeping your distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite. In order to ensure your safety, the Gloucester County Health Department recommends the following:

If you are a cat or dog owner, be sure your pets have current rabies vaccinations. Contact this department for a schedule of free rabies clinics in Gloucester County.

Advise your children not to handle stray or unfamiliar animals, as well as wildlife.

If you see an animal that appears disoriented or exhibits strange behavior, do not handle it. Immediately notify the Gloucester County Animal Control Office at (856) 881–2828.

For additional information on rabies please contact the
Gloucester County Health Department at (856) 218–4170.