A fox that was submitted for rabies testing on April 17 has tested positive for rabies. The fox was in the vicinity of Burry Port Way in Mt. Laurel. The Burlington County Health Department is concerned that some individuals or pets may have been in contact with the fox.
The Health Department is asking for residents’ cooperation in this matter.
1. If any pets have been scratched or bitten by wildlife animals or stray cats or dogs in this neighborhood in the last month, please contact the Burlington County Health Department.
2. Check the status of pets’ rabies vaccine. Have pets receive a rabies booster if it spends time outdoors, outside of your supervision and has not received its latest rabies shot within the last three months.
3. Do not feed stray cats in the neighborhood. Avoid all wild animals — especially bats, skunks, foxes, cats and raccoons.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain. The rabies virus lives in the saliva of infected animals and is spread from a bite or when saliva from an infected animal touches broken skin, open wounds or the lining of the mouth, nose, or eyes. Rabies in certain animals, especially wildlife, is common in New Jersey.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Communicable Disease Division at (609) 265–5533.
For additional information, on rabies, visit www.cdc.gov/rabies/.
