Rabies Cases On The Rise In MD As Spring Draws Near

BEL AIR, MD — As spring approaches and the weather warms up, people and their pets are outside more and have a greater risk of exposure to animals carrying the rabies virus. Harford County officials are focused on testing animals suspected of having the deadly disease, and alerting residents when positive cases are found.

From raccoons to foxes, groundhogs to cats, the rabies virus can affect all mammals, including humans, pets, livestock and wild animals. Rabies does not affect birds, fish, reptiles or amphibians and is a nearly 100% fatal virus transmitted via saliva, typically through bites, and is most common in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the United States, more than 90% of reported cases of rabies in animals occur in wildlife. Nearly three out of four Americans live in a community where animals carry rabies. Contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies deaths in this country; at least 7 out of 10 people who die from rabies in the United States were infected by bats, the CDC reports.

Ronya Nassar, director of population health and spokesperson for the Harford County Health Department, told Patch that as of Feb. 21, Frederick County recorded the most positive rabies cases with four so far this year. Washington County has reported three cases and Howard, Cecil and Baltimore counties have each reported two cases so far this year.

"With the positive cases Harford had this week, our total is three. So far this year, our case volume is similar to neighboring jurisdictions," Nassar told Patch.

Nassar previously told Patch that the county's protocol to publish a press release each time a positive rabies case is reported may "give the impression that we are experiencing significantly more cases than in past years when press releases were not issued for each positive animal."

The Maryland Department of Health also publishes rabies case data on its website each year. This data highlights that there has been a range of positives in each county over the years.

State data shows that in 2024 — the last year of reportable data available online — Baltimore City reported the highest number of animals tested (595), while Frederick County had the highest number of positive rabies cases (34) for 2024.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon, skunk 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.

"Raccoon saliva would need to be fresh for there to be a risk of transmission and it would have to enter an open cut/wound or mucous membrane. Typically, saliva dries out within two hours, depending on environmental conditions. Once the saliva has dried, the virus is not viable. As always, if there is a concern about a rabies risk exposure to people or pets, residents should contact their primary care physician or veterinarian for consultation," Nassar told Patch.

There are several steps residents can take to limit their exposure to an animal potentially carrying the rabies virus. Nassar recommended limiting food sources and harborage for wildlife, among other suggestions.

"Secure their trash with tight-fitting lids, bring all pet food inside at night, cut back tree limbs from the house and remove birdseed and brush piles. Pet owners should avoid leaving their pets unattended outside. If a sick animal or a baby without its mother is found, residents should not touch the animal. Instead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator at 1-877-463-6497," she told Patch.

The Harford County Health Department suggests residents can keep themselves and their pets safe by taking these additional precautions:

• Always keep pets leashed when out for walks and closely monitored in your backyard.
• All cats, dogs, and ferrets should remain up to date on their rabies vaccinations through their vet office or local rabies vaccination clinic.
• Cover trash cans and do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid feeding, petting, or interacting with wildlife in any way.
• If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, then seek medical attention.

Notify Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505 if you see a stray animal showing abnormal behaviors such as excessive affection, aggression, lethargy or disorientation.

Animals that appear sick or injured that have had no human or pet contact can be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 877-463-6497 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 after hours.

To keep up to date on Harford County's notices of rabies-positive animals, visit the health department's Facebook page where the press releases are posted.