06/27/2025
UPDATE: The kitten in question was a stray that was found in Maple Shade and then brought to the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
Rabies cases have been discovered in several Burlington County towns, which is why it is imperative for all residents to make sure their pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date.
The Burlington County Animal Shelter typically holds a free rabies vaccine clinic every month. So check the shelter's website ( https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/168/Animal-Shelter) for more details.
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The Burlington County Health Department announced a kitten that was housed at the Burlington County Animal Shelter has tested positive for rabies.
The kitten was brought to the shelter in Westampton on May 29th as a stray from Maple Shade and was quarantined as part of the shelter’s normal procedures. During the quarantine period, the cat showed no symptoms.
On June 19th, the kitten was cleared from quarantine and made available for adoption. It began showing symptoms on June 24 and was subsequently tested for rabies. The Burlington County Health Department was notified earlier today (June 26) that the test was positive for rabies.
Two Burlington County Animal Shelter employees received rabies vaccine boosters due to their exposure to the kitten. Both employees had previously been vaccinated per the shelter’s protocol that all employees be vaccinated as a preventive measure.
The Burlington County Health Department is investigating if there were any other exposures to the kitten. Anyone who visited the shelter between June 19th and June 24th and were bit, scratched or had contact with a brown and black colored kitten’s saliva is encouraged to seek medical guidance from their primary care doctor or another physician. They should also notify the Health Department at 609-265-5548.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain. The rabies vaccine lives in the saliva (spit) of infected animals and is spread from a bite or when saliva from an infected animal touches broken skin, open wounds, or the lining of the mouth, nose or eyes. Rabies in certain animals – especially wildlife – is common in New Jersey.
The disease typically remains dormant in animals for several weeks before symptoms develop. Health officials believe the kitten became infected before being brought to the animal shelter.
To guard against rabies, residents should make sure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccines and keep a safe distance away from any stray animals or wildlife. Residents should contact their local animal control officer if they encounter stray animals or wildlife and not try to trap or handle animals themselves.
For additional information about rabies, go to http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Burlington County Health Department at 609-265-5548 or the Burlington County Animal Shelter at 609-265-5073.
