Pet kills rabid raccoon in N.J. backyard, authorities say

A Lindenwold resident's dog killed a raccoon last week that was later determined to have had rabies, Camden County officials said Friday.

Local authorities were notified Oct. 9 that a resident's dog had killed a raccoon, county officials said Friday.

Lindenwold's Animal Control Officer picked up the raccoon and arranged for rabies testing at the state's Public Health & Environmental Laboratories, according to officials.

The county Department of Health and Human Services was notified this week by the lab that the raccoon was rabid.

The resident's dog had a current rabies vaccination, but received a booster and will be quarantined and under observation for 45 days, officials said.

Friday's announcement is the eighth confirmed rabies infection in Camden County this year.

A total of four rabid animals have been confirmed in Gloucester Township this year, one of the largest areas of Camden County.

Three other rabid animals have been identified in Collingswood, Camden and Voorhees, according to the county health department.

"Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment," said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, 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."

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