The Burlington County Health Department announced that a stray kitten found in Mount Holly has tested positive for rabies.
The kitten was found on a property on Emma Street and was brought to the Burlington County Animal Shelter, where it was subsequently tested for rabies. That test was returned positive on Aug. 8.
The kitten had no direct contact with any animals at the shelter. The Burlington County Health Department has identified individuals who have been exposed to this kitten.
To assist the Health Department, officials are asking for the public to do the following:
- If you have been scratched or bitten by a stray cat, dog or wild animal in your neighborhood in the last two weeks, please contact the Health Department immediately. The department can be reached at 609-265-5548.
- Residents should also check the status of their pets’ rabies vaccines and call your veterinarian for guidance if it has been longer than three months.
- Do not feed any wild or stray animals in the neighborhood. Avoid all stray and wild animals – especially bats, skunks, foxes, cats and raccoons.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain. The rabies virus lives in the saliva (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 contact Burlington County Animal Shelter Director Ericka Haines at 609-265-5376.