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A stray cat in Buena Vista Township and a raccoon in Hamilton Township were both confirmed to be carrying the rabies virus, making 12 cases so far in 2009, officials said Monday.

A resident of Tuckahoe Road in Buena Vista Township was feeding a stray cat, which began acting strangely, county health officials said. The cat bit the resident and then wandered into the street, where it was struck and killed by a car. The animal control officer removed the carcass and sent it to the state Health Department laboratory for testing, and it was confirmed positive for rabies Wednesday.

The resident now is undergoing post-exposure rabies treatment, officials said. Other stray cats found living near the home were removed and euthanized.

In Hamilton Township, a dog attacked a raccoon near its home on Ocean Heights Avenue, officials said. The animal control officer removed the animal, and it was euthanized and sent to the state Health Department laboratory for testing. It was confirmed rabid Wednesday.

The dog is current with its rabies vaccination and is under a 45-day informal confinement, officials said. Because the owners handled it after it fought with the raccoon, both are receiving post-exposure rabies treatment.

Health officials are reminding anyone who has contact with a wild animal to get medical attention immediately and report the incident to the county Health Department.

Residents should make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations, officials said. The Atlantic County Animal Shelter offers free vaccinations every month at its facility on Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville. The next clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 20.

Contact Elaine Rose:

609-272-7215

ERose@pressofac.com

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