The Burlington County Health Department has announced that a stray kitten found in Mount Holly has tested positive for rabies.
The animal was found on an Emma Street property and was brought to the county animal shelter to be tested. The kitten had no direct contact with any animals at the shelter, but the county health department has identified individuals who were exposed.
Follow these tips to prevent rabies exposure:
- If you have been scratched or bitten by a stray cat, dog or wild animal in your neighborhood in the last two weeks, contact the health department immediately at (609) 265-5000.
- Residents should also check the status of their pets’ rabies vaccines and call a veterinarian for guidance if it has been longer than three months.
- Avoid and do not feed any wild or stray animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes, cats and raccoons.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain. It lives in the saliva – or spit – 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.
For additional information about rabies, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/. Residents with questions or concerns can also contact Burlington County Animal Shelter Director Ericka Haines at (609) 265-5376.
