New Jersey health officials say a skunk found at a Cherry Hill residence tested positive for rabies on Wednesday.
The New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services announced on Wednesday that a skunk removed from a yard in Cherry Hill has tested positive for rabies.
On March 24, a Cherry Hill resident spotted the skunk acting erratically. The animal control officer for Cherry Hill picked up the skunk and transported it to the Blackwood Animal Hospital where it was prepped for submission for rabies testing at the New Jersey Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton.
On March 29, it was confirmed that the animal was rabid. The name and address of the individual who found the skunk was not released. No other human or animal exposure was reported.
“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”
Residents interested in learning more about rabies can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies.
