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A Gloucester resident and their family member walked the dog when they encountered the fox on Friday, Nov. 8, the Camden County Health Department said in a news release. The family member tried to separate the fox and dog when the fox bit the person.
A township animal control officer picked up the fox and it was sent for rabies testing at the state Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in Trenton. The county health department received confirmation that the fox was rabid on Friday, Nov. 15.
The dog was vaccinated against rabies. The pet was given an additional rabies booster shot and will be quarantined for four months.
The family member was given post-exposure prophylaxis, while the pet owner and animal control officer were also notified.
"Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment," said county health commissioner Virginia Betteridge. "If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention."
If a person or pet gets exposed to rabies, you should call the county health department at 856-374-6044.
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