Rabid Skunk Killed by Dog in Gloucester Township
A resident’s dog in Gloucester Township, Camden County, recently killed a skunk that later tested positive for rabies, confirmed by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Officials did not specify the exact date of the incident, but it has raised concerns about animal rabies in the area.
Following the encounter, Gloucester Township’s Animal Control Officer retrieved the skunk and sent it to the state’s Public Health & Environmental Laboratories for rabies testing.
On Thursday, lab results confirmed the skunk was rabid.
The dog involved in the incident had been vaccinated against rabies and received a booster shot. However, it is required to undergo a 45-day quarantine due to the positive rabies test of the skunk.
This incident marks the fourth confirmed case of rabies in animals within Gloucester Township this year.
Gloucester Township, home to over 63,000 residents and covering 23 square miles, is one of the largest municipalities in Camden County, according to U.S. Census data.
Earlier this year, two other rabid skunks were identified in Camden City and Collingswood, along with a cat confirmed to have rabies at a Voorhees animal shelter.
County officials urge residents to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure their pets are current on vaccinations. Pet owners are also advised to seek immediate veterinary attention for their animals if they are scratched or bitten by wildlife.
Expert Discussion
Join Us in This Essential Conversation About Animal Safety
To further understand the implications of this incident, we have invited three experts to discuss rabies in wildlife and its risks to pets and humans:
- Dr. Alice Thompson, Veterinarian at Camden County Animal Hospital
- Dr. Brian Carter, Epidemiologist with the New Jersey Department of Health
- Mary Kimball, Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Key Questions for Discussion:
Dr. Thompson: What are the key signs pet owners should look for to protect their pets from rabies?
Dr. Carter: How has the rabies incidence changed in New Jersey over the years, and what can residents do to stay informed?
Mary Kimball: What is the importance of wildlife rehabilitation in preventing rabies outbreaks?
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences related to this issue in the comments below. Have you encountered a similar situation, or do you have tips on how to keep pets safe from wildlife? Your insights are welcome!