Rabid Raccoon Found In Annapolis Health Officials Warn

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis area residents who may have come in contact with a rabid raccoon last week are being urged to call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. The raccoon was found near the intersection of Whitehall Road and Cedar Lane Farm Road on Jan. 22, and later tested positive for rabies, officials said Monday. If a pet or person had contact with a raccoon, or apet has unexplained wounds, call 410-222-7256 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon or bat. It is also spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.

Vaccination may be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon, the Health Department said. Preventive treatment or additional care may be required for any pets or domesticated animals that had contact with the raccoon.

The Health Department warns Anne Arundel residents to avoid feeding wild or stray animals or leaving food dishes outside. Pet owners also should keep their animals' rabies vaccinations current.

How is rabies spread?

The rabies virus lives in the saliva of a rabid animal and is most commonly spread through a bite from an infected animal. The virus can also be spread from scratches and from infected saliva entering a wound or mucous membrane (eyes, nose or mouth).

What types of animals are at greatest risk?

In Anne Arundel County, rabies is most often seen in raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Unvaccinated domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and farm animals, are also at risk.

What are some signs of a rabid animal?

The most consistent sign of rabies is a change in normal behavior. Some animals become excitable, irritable and aggressive, while others appear shy, timid, calm and docile. Animals that are normally active at night may become active and visible during the day. Infected animals may also have difficulty walking or may seem disoriented. Other signs include weakness, paralysis, inability to eat or drink, drooling, foaming at the mouth, and convulsions.

How can I protect my family and pets against rabies?

Be sure your dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies, and keep your pet's vaccination up-to-date. Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age and older be vaccinated against rabies. Pet cats need to be vaccinated and kept inside. See Discourage wild animals from coming into your yard and house by following these recommendations:

• Keep all trash in tightly secured trash cans with lids.
• Do not touch or feed wild or stray animals. Wild animals, even cute young ones, that look as if they need affection, help or rehabilitation might in fact have rabies.
• Teach your children not to play with stray, strange or wild animals.
• Rabies Web Page for Kids (CDC). Click here for Rabies Elementary School Curriculum.
• Keep all doors, windows and other openings tight fitting and secure against animal entry.
• Maryland law prohibits residents from possessing certain wild animals, including raccoons and foxes, because these and other animals can pose a significant risk to humans. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators should handle wildlife. More Information About Young Wildlife and Reporting Injured, Sick or Nuisance Wildlife to the Department of Natural Resources

Where can I go to get my pet vaccinated?

Rabies immunizations are available through your local veterinarian or through Anne Arundel County Animal Control, 411 Maxwell Frye Road in Millersville, at weekly clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets held Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. For more information visit Animal Control or call 410-222-8900.