Rabid Raccoon Found In Annapolis Jan. 28

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Another rabid raccoon has been found in Annapolis and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking anyone who may have come in contact with it. The rabid raccoon was found Jan. 28 near the intersection of Ogleton Road and Old Bay Ridge Road in the Annapolis Roads Community.

If anyone or their pet had contact with a raccoon, or a pet has unexplained wounds, please call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 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.

Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon. Rabies is a fatal disease and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible. The county department of health advises county residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.