Rabies warning after rabid fox found in South Jersey

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities in Burlington County say a fox has tested positive for rabies, and they're concerned that the animal may have been in contact with family pets and people.

The fox was found in the vicinity of Burry Port Way in Mount Laurel Township and tested positive for the viral disease last week.

The Health Department has issued the following warning:

1. If you or your family pets have been scratched or bitten by wild life animals or stray cats or dogs in this neighborhood in the last month, please contact the Burlington County Health Department.

2. Check the status of your pets' rabies vaccine. Have your pet receive a rabies booster if it spends time outdoors, outside of your supervision and has not received its latest rabies shot within the last 3 months.

3. Do not feed stray cats in the neighborhood. Avoid all wild animals - especially bats, skunks, foxes, cats and raccoons.

The Health Department says the rabies virus lives in the saliva of infected animals and is spread when saliva from an infected animal touches broken skin, open wounds or the lining of the mouth, nose, or eyes.

For additional information on rabies, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/