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What is rabies?
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Rabies is a serious disease. Rabies is caused by a virus that is in the saliva (spit) of a rabid animal. It is spread mostly through a bite.
Any warm-blooded mammal can get rabies, including people and pets. Stray pets are at more risk of getting rabies.
Rabies use to be a big problem with dogs in New Jersey. The worst year was 1939. 675 dogs and 4 people died from rabies.
Today there aren't as many rabies cases in New Jersey. This is because New Jersey has a vaccination program. The rabies vaccine is a shot that protects animals from getting the disease. People who don't have enough money to pay a veterinarian can get rabies shots for free. Also New Jersey has an animal control program that picks up and takes stray animals to animal shelters.
Today, rabies in New Jersey is mostly spread by wild raccoons. Other wild animals, pets that are allowed outside, stray pets, and even farm animals can get rabies. It is very important to be sure your pets get the rabies vaccine.
New Jersey reports rabies statistics for each of its 21 counties per year. The number of rabies cases are reported for specific animals: raccoon, skunk, fox, cat, groundhog, bovine (cow), equine (horse), dog, ferret, deer, and bats. Here is a chart showing the number of cases in Camden County, New Jersey during the past 4 years:
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This is a raccoon. In New Jersey, rabies is mostly spread by raccoons.
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In the USA, more cats get rabies than dogs.
There is medical help for people who are bitten by an animal that might have rabies. It is important to see a doctor soon and start the medicine. Without treatment, rabies usually causes death.
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How can rabies be prevented?
- Vaccinate all dogs and cats.
- Control unwanted and stray animals (find new homes or take them to shelters).
- Avoid contact with wild animals and stray pets. Do not feed or pet them.
- See a doctor if you get bit or scratched by an animal you don't know.
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Note: At the time of this report, the available statistics for 2004 included the months from January through September.
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How does Camden County compare to the other 20 New Jersey counties in reported numbers of rabies cases?
In 2001, Camden County was tied for 3rd among counties reporting the lowest numbers of rabies cases. All three reported cases in the county were from raccoons.
In 2002, Camden County again tied for 3rd place among those counties with low rabies numbers. There were three reported cases. This included 2 raccoons and 1 bat.
In 2003, Camden County reported an increase in rabies. There were 9 rabies cases. This included 1 raccoon, 1 skunk, 3 cats, and 4 bats.
For 2004, the numbers of rabies cases for Camden County were only available from January through September at the time we did our research. During this period, there were 2 rabies cases. This included 1 raccoon and 1 bat.
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Steve's cat named Tommy.
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banner & navigation graphics assisted by Kyle,
rabies information by Alison, rabies statistics summary by Colan's class
raccoon painting copyright Saler & used with permission from Sandra Saler/Artist-Teacher
chart by Mike
photo of Steve's cat, Tommy
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