Rabid Raccoons Found On Suburban Streets
Two rabid racoons found, one in Moorestown and one in Medford; Burlco Health Department issues a warning to residents.
Raccoons may look cute when you spot them sitting in a tree at night. Awwwww. Sometimes you see the eyes of a whole family staring at you. (They're less cute when they're ripping apart your trash.)
But if you see them strutting down the avenue, in daylight, you should quickly back away.
The Burlington County Health Department recently found two raccoons with rabies. One was found in the vicinity of East Main Street in Moorestown, where there are no deep woods, and one on Falls Court in Medford. Suburbia beware.
"Keep a safe distance from stray or wild animals," Burlco Health Officer Robert Gogats warns. He advises residents to contact their town's Animal Control departments if they see suspicious wildlife.
No details yet on whether anyone was bitten and what the raccoons were doing when they were caught.
"Residents should not feed or try to capture any wildlife or stray animals," Gogats says.
This means you, kind-hearted but foolish squirrel-feeder. You and your peanut-butter crackers.
Gogats also says "homeowners who allow their pets to roam outside unattended should check the status of their pets' last rabies shot." How about put them on a leash or fence your yard? How about allowing them to roam around inside?
Anyway, Gogats says that pets should get a booster shot if their last rabies shot was over a year ago.
The Health Department advises anyone who is bit by an infected animal to immediately wash with soap and water, contact a doctor, and contact the local health department with a description and location of the animal.