Rabies Alert In Harford County After Raccoon Tests Positive

ABINGDON, MD — A raccoon in the Abingdon area has tested positive for the rabies virus, the Harford County Health Department said Wednesday. Local officials received confirmation Tuesday of the case from the Maryland Department of Health.

The raccoon was found off Haynes Court in Abingdon, and may have exposed other people and pets in the area to the potentially fatal disease.

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.

Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the infected animal. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible.

If residents or their pets have had contact with a raccoon, they are urged to contact the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for followup.

Health officials shared tips for residents to protect themselves and their pets:

• All pets — especially cats, dogs and ferrets — should have current rabies immunizations.
• Always keep pets leashed when out for walks and closely monitored in your backyard.
• Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid feeding or petting all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes, as well as stray animals.
• 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.