Rabid Skunk Reported in Voorhees

A skunk found dead in Voorhees has tested positive for rabies, Camden County officials said.

A Voorhees resident reported the skunk to animal control Saturday morning, after it sprayed her dog, and either died on its own or was killed by the dog, officials said.

Animal control from Voorhees removed the animal and arranged for testing, officials said, and state labs notified the county about the positive rabies test Wednesday.

No people were exposed to the disease, officials said, and the dog that came in contact with the skunk was current on its rabies vaccine, and will get a booster dose.

The skunk was the first positive rabies test reported by the county since a bat tested positive in Berlin in September; another skunk tested positive for rabies after it was killed in Cherry Hill.

“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”