Rabid Skunk Discovered in Camden County Leads to Dog Quarantines

A rabid skunk was found in Camden County last week, prompting health officials to quarantine two family dogs. On August 19, a Gibbsboro resident saw a wild animal playing with their pets in their backyard. After being told, the local Animal Control Officer apprehended and rabies-tested the skunk.

The Trenton Public Health and Environmental Laboratory discovered rabies in the skunk. Good thing the case didn’t involve individuals. Officials advised humans and dogs to be cautious around wild animals.

Rabies booster injections were given to both dogs, although their immunization certificates vary. A dog without a vaccine must be quarantined for four months. The second rabies-vaccinated dog must be quarantined for 45 days.

Rabies is deadly yet preventable, according to Camden County Health Department Commissioner Virginia Betteridge. She advised wild animal bites and scratches to seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection.

This year, six Camden County residents have contracted rabies. A Barrington dog killed a rabies-infected raccoon the day before. The county found rabies in a cat and two more raccoons in 2025.

Officials advise getting pets vaccinated against rabies and avoiding wild animals, even if they seem harmless. Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated, but it can be prevented swiftly.

Camden County must be vigilant since wild animals in homes might hurt pets, as shown in Gibbsboro. Rabies activity is rising across the county this year, and authorities say the only way to avoid it is to avoid it.

Sources:
Camden County Health Department
New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratory