Dog quarantined after dangerous encounter in its own backyard — here's how it points to a larger issue
The case isn't just a one-off scare. It's a growing problem, and experts say our changing environment may be part of what's driving it.
According to Camden County officials, the skunk was killed by a dog on May 16. It was collected by Animal Control and tested positive for rabies on May 21.
The dog is now under strict quarantine for the next four months, per state health guidelines.
While rabid skunks aren't a new issue, encounters like this are happening more often and closer to home.
As human development stretches deeper into wild spaces and rising global temperatures reshape natural ecosystems, wildlife is getting pushed into closer contact with our neighborhoods.
Food becomes harder to find. Shelter disappears. And animals like skunks end up wandering into places they wouldn't have a generation ago.
That increased overlap brings disease risks with it. Rabies in skunks has been documented in growing numbers, especially in places where drought and habitat loss force infected animals into new territories.
Protecting natural spaces reduces the likelihood of diseased wildlife entering backyards and also promotes biodiversity and thriving ecosystems.
On a broad level, better habitat protection can keep animals out of human spaces — and prevent disease spread at the source.
Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites?
Absolutely
Only when I'm camping or hiking
Not really
Never
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Natural space preservation, wildlife crossings, and smarter city planning can all help reduce risky encounters like this one.
On an individual level, it still comes back to vigilance, like keeping pets vaccinated, securing trash bins so they don't attract scavengers, teaching kids to give wild animals space, and reporting any suspicious behavior — in animals or people — to the appropriate authorities.
It's easy to think of environmental problems as distant or abstract. But this one came through the fence and into the yard.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Forbes
Changes In Prior Approval Coming To Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage
There were two major announcements recently regarding prior approval of treatments and services for Medicare beneficiaries. In most medical insurance, many treatments won't be covered unless it is approved first by the insurer. It's been a source of controversy for some time. Original Medicare hasn't required prior authorization of treatments and services, with a few exceptions. For most care, providers and the patient agree on a treatment. After the treatment, paperwork for approval and payment is submitted to Medicare. Medicare recently announced a new model program that will test pre-approval. The voluntary model program will test pre-approval for some services and treatments, according to a recent announcement from the Center for Innovation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The model program is seeking medical providers to volunteer for the program from Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2031. The model will be restricted to New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington. Providers who volunteer and are accepted will agree to seek prior authorization for 17 items and services, including skin substitutes, deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's Disease, impotence treatment, and arthroscopy for knee osteoarthritis. A provider who volunteers for the program can choose not to seek prior approval for a case. There will be a post-treatment review of the case, and the provider will risk not being paid by Medicare for the treatment. CMS initiated the program and selected the services to be covered because of a series of reports showing waste, fraud or abuse in certain areas. For example, Medicare spent up to $5.8 billion in 2022 on unnecessary or inappropriate services that had no clinical benefit, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Under the model, providers will submit the same information they currently submit for payment approval after a service is provided to a beneficiary. The difference is that under the model, the information will be submitted earlier and the provider will wait for approval before performing the services. CMS will select companies to receive and review the prior authorizations. It expects that they will use artificial intelligence and other tools in addition to medical professionals to review the submissions. The companies will be paid based on the extent to which they saved the government money by stopping unnecessary services. CMS said it will manage the program to avoid adverse impact on beneficiaries and providers. There was other news about pre-approval, this time involving Medicare Advantage plans. Pre-approval in Medicare Advantage plans has been controversial recently. There have been a number of recent reports and studies that found the authorization process was delaying treatment or causing patients to abandon treatment plans. Other reports indicated that a high percentage of treatments that initially were denied coverage eventually were approved if the patients or their providers appealed the than 50 major insurers who sponsor many types of insurance plans announced that they will voluntarily streamline prior authorization of treatments and services in all insurance markets, including Medicare Advantage plans. The insurers say they plan to have the new process in place by Jan. 1, 2027.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Genmab A/S (GMAB) Opens U.S. Hub in New Jersey to Drive Global Growth
We recently compiled a list of 11 Best Undervalued Stocks to Invest in Now. Genmab A/S stands eighth on our list and has recently opened new sites in the US. Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB), a Danish biotech company founded in 1999, specializes in antibody-based therapies for cancer and serious diseases. Known for its technologies like HuMab-Mouse and UniBody, the corporation has historically partnered with major pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie to bring its innovations to market. However, the company is now undergoing a strategic transformation to become a fully integrated global commercial entity. In June 2025, Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB) opened a major new U.S. site in Plainsboro, New Jersey, signaling a shift from a partnership-driven model to direct commercialization of its therapies. This move gives the company greater control over its innovation, regulatory processes, and patient outreach, aligning with a broader biotech industry trend toward independence and vertical integration. The business's oncology portfolio continues to gain traction. Tivdak (cervical cancer) received full FDA approval in April 2024, while Epkinly (lymphoma), which earned accelerated approval in 2023, has shown strong sales growth in the U.S. Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB)'s pipeline also remains active, with ongoing development of therapies like Epcoritamab and Acasunlimab. At the June 2025 ASCO meeting, the company presented promising Rina-S data, supporting an upcoming Phase III trial. A healthcare professional wearing a health communications device discussing patient data with a colleague. The corporation continues to benefit from its successful collaboration with Johnson & Johnson on DARZALEX, which remains a significant revenue driver. The company is also focused on long-term growth by investing in talent retention through stock-based incentives. While we acknowledge the potential of GOOGL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
These Fitness Items Can Help Improve Your Bone Density
You're probably familiar with many of the benefits of regular exercise, when done properly. From building muscle to boosting your energy and even helping your brain function better, there's no shortage of reasons to work up a sweat. But there's another great benefit you might not think about as much: You could be improving your bone density through exercise, according to experts. 'Bone density refers to how strong and solid your bones are,' Dr. Raphael Longobardi, New Jersey-based orthopedic surgeon told us. He serves with the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and specializes in sports medicine, frequently identifying ways to strengthen the body. 'The amount of mineral content in our bones helps them maintain their strength and resistance to fractures. Maintaining bone density is an incredibly important preventative for reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis or fractures. This is especially true as we age.'There are also risk factors for certain groups, according to Kai-Yu Ho, a physical therapist and professor of physical therapy at University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Ho said bone density is important to look after 'especially in postmenopausal women, as estrogen loss speeds up bone weakening.' So, if you're concerned about your bone density, how can exercise help? If you haven't been looking after your bone health, now's the time: Based on the experts' advice, we rounded up some small and easy fitness items you can use to help improve your bone density and reduce your risk of fractures. A set of resistance bands with different resistance levels All three experts we spoke to recommended resistance bands as one of the most effective pieces of exercise equipment that can help increase bone density through resistance training. Ho said bands are "useful for beginners and those with limited mobility," while Longobardi explained, "They apply resistance that stimulates bone growth through stress."We like this five-pack because all five bands are the same length, but each one has a different resistance level, from extra-light to extra-heavy. "It's important to begin with lighter resistance, gradually increasing in intensity to prevent injuries," Longobardi said, advice that Ho bands are made with a durable, elastic fabric that comes in a bunch of colors. You can use the bands for squats, lunges and other review: "These are high quality resistance bands. They have a slight texture to them which holds them in place while using them. Purchased after recommended by my physical therapist. Variety of resistance bands in the pack which makes it easy to make exercises easier or harder!" —Austin NicholsGet them from Amazon for $19.97. A weighted vest to increase bone density while walking According to Ho, "Weighted vests increase bone-loading stimulus, especially during walking or bodyweight exercises." To properly use a weighted vest for walking to help with bone density or osteoporosis, Medical News Today suggests trying out a vest without weights first, then adding the lowest possible amount and slowly increasing that amount over time. (It's generally recommended that you start with no more than 10% of your body weight, but always check with your physician first.)To do this, you may be best off with an adjustable vest like this one by Zelus, so you can change the weight. The vest comes in three sizes and two colors, with six removable weights on each vest. The vest is designed to evenly distribute the load, and the neoprene material is strong and comfortable. The vest is also equipped with reflective strips for visibility and a pocket to hold your keys, phone and other essentials. Promising review: "My workout program includes a daily walk/run. I have osteoporosis in my spine and I'd been looking for a weight vest to wear during my walks to possibly help rebuild bone density. I really like this vest because the straps are adjustable; there're pockets in the front to hold keys, tissue, etc.; it doesn't ride up or rub when I'm running; and the weights are easy to add and remove. The vest had a noticeable chemical smell when I first took it out the box, but the smell quickly dissipated after the vest sat out a couple days. All in all, it's great value for the money!" —E. R. RogersGet it from Amazon for $39.99+. A mini stair stepper to help you get in some weight-bearing exercise Improving your bone density can be as simple as getting your steps in. Who knew? "Other weight-bearing exercises such as walking, stair climbing, and aerobics also contribute to bone health," Longobardi said. "Activities such as these cause your bones to bear your body weight against gravity, and this contributes to increasing bone mass and preventing osteoporosis in the future." Sellmeyer also suggested stair climbing as part of her recommended 30 minutes of impact exercise a day. If you don't live in a building with stairs or near a set of stairs you can use, a mini stair stepper like this one can provide an easy and convenient way to do these exercises without having to leave the house or make room for large equipment. This stepper has a loading capacity of 300 pounds and weighs just 16 pounds itself, so you can move it around the house as shown in the pictures here. The silent cushioning pad will keep the machine from making too much noise, and the height of the steps can be adjusted depending on your workout needs. You can even use it sitting down, as one reviewer can attest it from Amazon for $47.49+ (available in three colors). Or a walking pad to get even more steps in throughout the day Again, Longobardi and Sellmeyer both recommended walking for impact exercise. One other exercise you can try, according to Sellmeyer, is "tandem walking," where you walk "in a straight line with one foot directly in front of the other" to train your balance and reduce falls (and therefore, your risk of fracturing bones). Like the stair stepper, a walking pad can come in handy if you have less time to go outside for a walk or less space for something like a treadmill that can't be easily stowed away when not in pick is this one by Akluer. You can adjust the incline up to 5%, and the LED display lets you see important stats like distance and speed. The running belt is anti-slip with shock absorbers for a comfortable walk. And when you're done, tuck away the pad under a bed or sofa with ease using the built-in transport it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in seven styles). A pair of comfortable, supportive shoes Whether or not you buy fancy equipment for your workouts, what you'll always want is a good pair of shoes. "Supportive footwear [is] essential for impact activities like jumping and jogging to prevent joint stress," Ho said, adding that proper footwear can help you avoid it comes to supportive and comfy shoes, we're Hoka fans here, and the Bondi 9s are podiastrist-recommended, to boot. Their plush cushioning and supportive construction have made them a cult favorite for the brand. You can get them in a bunch of colorways and men's sizes 7–16, as well as women's sizes 4– them from Nordstrom for $170 in men's or for $175 in women's. A foam balance pad for balance training Sellmeyer recommended some simple balance exercises, including "standing on each leg for 30 seconds two to three times each day, [and] doing the same standing on a foam balance pad which is more difficult." Foam balance pads have an unstable surface, so using them can help your balance and like this one made by ProsourceFit, which comes in two sizes and has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating with more than 14,000 reviews. The lightweight pad weighs just 12 ounces so you can carry it wherever, and use it for Sellmeyer's recommended balance exercises as well as lunges, squats, planks and more. That's in addition to other uses around the house, like as a knee pad for gardening, a foot pad for underneath your desk and more. Talk about versatility. The pad is available in five colors and two review: "Functions exactly as advertised. great for balance and core work. this pad has the perfect amount of "give" to work those areas. also the small waves on the surface help to prevent sliding on hard wood floors." —Mary it from Amazon for $21.06+. A pair of adjustable dumbbells for weight training Both Ho and Longobardi named adjustable dumbbells as a beneficial equipment option for resistance training. Why adjustable? "While free weights and resistance bands can help stimulate bone growth, it's important to begin with lighter resistance, gradually increasing in intensity to prevent injuries," Longobardi added that adjustable equipment is more suitable for long-term use as you slowly up the intensity of your workouts. In other words, adjustable dumbbells involve taking on a higher cost upfront, but you'll save money later by not having to purchase new dumbbells so pick is this set from Lifepro, which comes in four weight ranges. You just use the sliders to increase or decrease the weight. The dumbbells have a non-slip handle and safety locking mechanism, as well as a storage rack that comes included so you can keep these secure and out of the way. Get them from Amazon for $111.97+. Or this single adjustable dumbbell If you'd rather start off with one instead of a pair, Target sells a single adjustable dumbbell from their All In Motion brand. This plastic and steel dumbbell goes up to 25 pounds and comes with a similar storage tray. Promising review: "These are really nice (I bought 2)! I am a beginner with strength training, so I like that these are compact and easy to adjust the weight. Took me a minute to figure out how to use it (didn't realize the explanation was printed on the actually dumbbells lol) and when I first picked them up one of the plates fell out but luckily I was sitting on the floor. All in all an excellent product and makes me feel confident using weights!" —TeeinteeGet it from Target for $100. A pickleball paddle set for beginners Pickleball has become "America's fastest-growing sport" over the past couple of years, and it can also help improve your bone density, according to Sellmeyer, who suggested the activity as one type of impact exercise. This is also a great way to work out with family or friends for something a little more exciting than a typical walk or weightlifting starter set from Recess Pickleball includes two durable fiberglass paddles with sweat-proof handles and three balls. The brand offers tons of color and pattern options, including the fun "Dog Day" doodles shown here, as well as sets with paddle cases, a gym bag and up to eight it from Amazon for $88.
