Atlantic County Confirms Second Rabies Case
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The Press of Atlantic City reports the bat was discovered in the backyard after the homeowner s dog starting barking at the bat who was exhibiting strange behavior and seemed ill.
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health removed the bat from the premises and confirmed the case of rabies. There were no known human exposures. The dog was up to date on his rabies vaccination but was given a booster and placed under an informal confinement ban just to be on the safe side.
This is the second confirmed case of rabies in Atlantic County. A raccoon tested positive for rabies earlier this year in the Port Republic.
The first rabies case of 2021 in Atlantic County was confirmed last week after a raccoon taken from a property in the 300 block of Sooys Landing Road in Port Republic tested positive.
According to officials with the county, the raccoon was discovered by a homeowner in a chicken coop. The animal had killed several chickens and chased the homeowner when it was approached.
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An investigation conducted by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health determined there were no human or animal exposures.
Officials would like to remind everyone about vaccinating their pets against rabies. In fact, the Atlantic County Animal Shelter is holding its next free rabies vaccination clinics for cats on Sunday, February 28th, and dogs on Sunday, March 14th, from 9AM to noon by appointment, which can be made online.