Gloucester Township, NJ — A cat that was rescued by a local resident and later found to be carrying the rabies virus has been euthanized, according to the recent announcement by the Camden County Health Department.
The incident unfolded when a township resident, discovering an injured cat, took it to a local veterinarian for examination. Subsequently, the cat was placed in a shelter, where signs of a potential infection became apparent. Testing conducted at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.
The Camden County Health Department has taken proactive measures in response to this confirmed case. Two individuals who had contact with the infected cat have been advised to consult their doctors, emphasizing the importance of early treatment for potential exposure. Additionally, the owners of three cats that had contact with the rabid cat were recommended to administer rabies booster shots to their animals.
County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge stressed the severity of rabies but highlighted that early treatment can prevent the onset of the illness. She urged anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal to seek immediate medical attention.
Cats are identified as the primary carriers of rabies among domestic animals, accounting for the majority of cases, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Wild animals constitute 95% of all reported rabies cases.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the county issued guidelines for pet owners. They are encouraged to check their pets’ vaccination status to ensure they are up to date and to seek veterinary examination if their pets have been bitten by a wild animal. Local animal control offices should be contacted to address stray animal concerns.
The State Department of Health statistics reveal that Camden County has reported three rabid cat cases in 2023, along with four cases involving raccoons. Statewide, there have been 105 cases involving terrestrial mammals and 26 cases with bats this year. Although there have been 14 rabid cat cases statewide, no cases involving dogs have been reported.
Since 2020, there has been a decline in the total number of rabies cases statewide, with 257 cases reported in that year. Among the counties, Monmouth County leads in the number of cases for 2023, reporting 20 cases, including five involving bats. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership and prompt medical attention in cases of potential rabies exposure.
