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The Camden County Health Department announced the skunk tested positive for the disease in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Health officials said the dog "recently" killed a skunk in their owners' backyard.
A Gloucester Township animal control officer picked up the skunk and brought it for testing at the state Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) in Trenton. PHEL notified the county's health department on October 9 that the skunk tested positive for rabies.
There were no known human exposures.
"Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment," said Virginia Betteridge with the county's health department. "If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention."
The owners showed proof that the dog was vaccinated and received a rabies booster shot. The dog will be under confinement and observation for 45 days.
If your pet may have been exposed to a rabid animal, you should call their veterinarian and the county health department at 856-374-6044.
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