MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — A raccoon that fought with a family dog in southern New Jersey tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to remind residents to ensure pets are vaccinated and to report potential exposures, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred in Mount Holly, Burlington County, where a wild raccoon and a dog became involved in an altercation near a residential property in March, the Burlington County Health Department said. After the raccoon died, officials submitted the animal for laboratory testing, which confirmed it was infected with rabies. Authorities announced the positive test result on March 16.
County health officials said the dog's owners were notified following the test results. The dog was current on its rabies vaccinations and received appropriate follow-up measures after the encounter, according to the department. As of the announcement, officials said they were not aware of any additional human or animal exposures linked to the case.
“Residents should check the vaccination status of their pets,” the Burlington County Health Department said in its public notice following the confirmation of the rabies case. Officials also advised anyone who had been bitten or scratched by a wild animal to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most often through bites or scratches. The New Jersey Department of Health says the disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop but can be prevented through prompt medical treatment following exposure. Raccoons are among the wild animals most frequently found to be infected with rabies in the state.
The Burlington County case was one of several rabies incidents reported in New Jersey during 2026. Health departments in other counties have reported rabid bats, skunks and raccoons during the year, leading officials to renew public awareness campaigns regarding wildlife encounters and pet vaccinations.
State and local health agencies advise residents not to approach wild animals that appear sick, aggressive or unusually tame. Suspected rabid animals are routinely submitted to the New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratories, the state's sole rabies-testing facility, for confirmation.
As of the latest information released by Burlington County health authorities, no human exposures had been identified in connection with the Mount Holly raccoon. Officials said monitoring and public-health outreach efforts remained ongoing, while no additional cases linked to the incident had been reported.
