Rabid cat confirmed in Gloucester Twp., animal was found injured
GLOUCESTER TWP. — An injured cat that a township resident rescued was euthanized after showing signs it had the rabies virus, according to the Camden County Health Department.
The county reported Nov. 22 that the cat had been taken to a local veterinarian and then a shelter, where it exhibited signs of possible infection. It was euthanized then and subsequent testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton determined the animal was infected. The county was notified on Nov. 20.
The county has advised two people who were in contact with the animal to speak to their doctors. The owners of three cats in contact with the sick cat were advised to get their animals rabies booster shots.
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“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge said. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, cats account for the bulk of rabies cases with domestic animals. Ninety-five percent of all cases involve wild animals.
Rabies symptoms include viciousness, aggression, and trouble walking. However, an animal may be infected and appear normal. The virus can be lethal.
The county advises pet owners that vaccinations should be checked to see if a booster is needed; to have their pet examined if bitten by a wild animal; and to contact local animal control offices to remove stray animals.
State health department figures show Camden County has had three rabid cat cases in 2023 and four cases with raccoons.
There have been 105 cases statewide involving “terrestrial” mammals and a further 26 cases with bats this year. Statewide, there have been 14 rabid cat cases but no cases involving dogs.
Statewide, the number of total cases has been declining since 2020 when there were 257 total cases. Monmouth County has the most cases for 2023 at 20, including 5 bats.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on rabies online at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/.
Residents also can call the county health office at (856) 374-6370.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Support local journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: County: Injured cat euthanized, tests confirmed rabies
