Rabid skunk battles pet dog in Cherry Hill

By Frank Kummer, Breaking News Desk
Posted: August 18, 2012

A rabid skunk battled with a dog in Cherry Hill this month but the pet survived because it was immunized, according to the Camden County Health Department.

It marked the second case of a confirmed rabid animal attack this year in the township's Barclay section, a neighborhood of well-kept, single-family homes.

In the most recent incident, the skunk was caught and removed after the Aug. 8 encounter and there was no known exposure to people. The homeowner had kept the dog current with its rabies vaccination, officials said.

And, in February, a rabid raccoon bit a resident in the heel. It was captured by health officials. The resident was treated and recovered.

Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriquez issued a statement yesterday urging local and county residents to remain cautious.

She warned residents to keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. And, she cautioned owners to keep pets under direct supervision.

Officials say that if your pet is bitten by a wild animal, you should immediately take it to a vet, and contact animal control agency to remove the suspected animal.

And, they say to never to adopt a wild animal and bring it into a home.

"Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment," Rodriguez said. "If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention."

For more information on dealing with suspected rabid animals go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies.

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