First Positive Rabies Case in 2013

The Cumberland County Health Department was notified of a positive rabies case on January 31, 2013. A dog was exposed to a rabid skunk in Port Norris. It has not been determined whether or not the dog or any other animals were bitten or attacked by the skunk. No individuals were bitten or exposed.

Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect humans and animals. The Cumberland County Health Department would like to encourage everyone to be aware of unusual animals when interacting with pets while outdoors. Wild animals that are aggressive or more friendly than usual with humans or domestic animals may be infected with rabies. Signs of the rabies virus in skunks, raccoons, cats, or dogs consist of foaming at the mouth, drooling saliva, or having an unstable or wobbly walk.

Rabies is 100% preventable by getting your pets vaccinated. “County residents are encouraged to make plans now to get their pets vaccinated against rabies when the clinics begin on March 2nd,” says George Sartorio, Health Officer for Cumberland County Health Department. When attending one of the clinics, residents are asked to bring cats in a carrying case, cat box with ventilation, or pillowcase and dogs in a cage or on a leash. Neither the municipality nor the County Health Department is responsible for animals that get away. All clinics are free.

? Saturday March 2 Commercial Township Fire Hall 9:00am - 12:00pm
Battle Lane, Laurel Lake

Hopewell Municipal Bldg 1:00pm - 3:00pm
590 Shiloh Pike, Bridgeton
(Hosting Greenwich, Stow Creek & Shiloh)

? Saturday March 9 Maurice River Twp. 9:00am - 11:00am
Leesburg Fire Hall
550 Main Street, Leesburg

Cedarville Fire Hall 12:00pm - 2:00pm
30 Maple Ave, Cedarville
(Hosting Downe Twp.)

? Saturday March 16 Deerfield Township Municipal Bldg 9:00am - 11:00am
736 Landis Avenue, Rosenhayn
(Hosting Upper Deerfield Twp.)

? Saturday March 23 Cumberland County Fairgrounds 9:00am - 12:00pm
Carmel Road, Millville

? Saturday April 9 Bridgeton Fire Hall 9:00am - 12:00pm
Orange Street, Bridgeton
(Hosting Fairfield Twp.)

Residents may go to any clinic on the list. You do not have to live in the township in which the clinic is held. If animals have been vaccinated for rabies any time in the past, pet owners should bring proof of prior rabies vaccine. If you would like more information about the rabies virus or the rabies clinics, please call the Cumberland County Health Department at 327-7602 ext. 7139.