A wild raccoon that tangled with a family's dog in Mount Holly has tested positive for rabies, Burlington County health officials said. The run-in happened Wednesday, March 11. The animal died and was submitted for laboratory testing. The family's dog is current on its rabies vaccination and recently received a booster, according to county officials. Health staff are urging residents to check pet vaccine records and to contact a physician if anyone was bitten or scratched in the past month.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the scuffle happened near Blue Jay Lane in Mount Holly, and the Burlington County Health Department told the station the test returned positive. As of March 16, the county told the station it was not aware of any other human or pet exposures tied to the incident. Officials used the case to remind the public about the importance of up-to-date rabies shots for dogs and cats.
How the state lab handles suspected rabies samples
New Jersey's Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) conduct rabies testing and require specimens to be packaged and delivered in specific ways. PHEL guidance notes that heads or brain tissue, not whole carcasses, are accepted for testing and that results are reported to the local health officer. The PHEL rabies hotline can answer questions about testing and specimen delivery at 609-530-8416. See guidance from New Jersey PHEL for full details.
What to do if you or your pet were exposed
If a person is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical care right away, as post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent rabies when given before symptoms begin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian about boosters and call municipal animal control or the Burlington County Animal Shelter, which serves as the county's rabies-control point, to report exposures and arrange follow-up. The county shelter also runs rabies-vaccination clinics and can be reached at 609-265-5073.
Not an isolated detection in South Jersey
This finding joins other recent rabies detections across South Jersey. Atlantic County confirmed a rabid raccoon in Mullica in late January, and Burlington County's public notices show previous positive animals in past seasons. Local health officials say those scattered detections underline the seasonal risk wildlife can pose to pets and people. Residents are urged to secure trash, avoid feeding wildlife and keep vaccinations current. See local reporting and county notices for context from breakingAC and Burlington County.
Short, practical steps still matter: keep pets supervised and vaccinated, secure garbage and outdoor pet food, and call your vet or local health department if you suspect an exposure. County and state resources are standing by to answer questions about testing and treatment.
.jpg){kind=link}