Rabies Cases On The Rise In Harford County

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The percentage of rabies-positive animals confirmed in Harford County is higher than in previous years, but health officials note that the numbers are still well within the county's expected range.

Ronya Nassar, director of population health for the Harford County Health Department, explained to 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."

"In Harford County, when we test wildlife for rabies, it is because the animal had known or suspected contact with people or pets. We cannot speak to how other counties determine which animals to test or how they publicize their positive rabies cases," Nassar said. "We have submitted 106 animals for testing since Jan. 1, 2025, which is a higher total number of animals for the same months than we have submitted in previous years. This may be because our residents have become more aware from our press releases that we submit animals for rabies testing and are more likely to contact us when there has been known or suspected contact with wildlife."

But, the percentage of rabies-positive animals still remains within the county's expected range, she said. 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.

"Due to many factors, some of which are differences in geography, population density, and population distribution, residents in some Maryland counties are more likely to have exposure to wildlife than residents of other counties. There can sometimes be seasonal differences in the number of animals that we test. When the weather is nice, people and pets spend more time outside, and that can increase the chance of contact with wildlife," Nassar said.

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.

Harford County officials have expressed interest to concerned constituents in testing a rabies baiting program in some areas of the county, such as what's being done in Anne Arundel County, but nothing official has been proposed as of yet.

In August 2023, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health begins its Oral Rabies Vaccination Project. The goal is to immunize thousands of wild raccoons. While the vaccine is intended for raccoons, other wildlife like foxes and skunks also will be attracted to the bait.

About the bait used in Anne Arundel County:

• Contains liquid rabies vaccine.
• Will be placed in neighborhoods by ground teams of trained department of health staff. Teams will wear shirts with department of health logos and travel in marked county vehicles.
• Will be dropped from a low-flying county police helicopter in wooded or less-populated areas.
• Comes in two types. One looks like a ketchup packet with a light brown waxy coating. The other looks like a small brown brick, is about 0.75 inches thick by 1.25 inches square, and has a plastic packet inside. In both types of bait, the vaccine is contained within the packet.

The vaccine:

• Immunizes raccoons when the animal bites into the packet that contains the vaccine.
• Cannot cause rabies and is not harmful to raccoons, pets or other animals.
• High fat content in attractant may cause stomach irritation in pets.
• Is felt to be a low human health risk. However, it is advised that the following individuals avoid handling the bait:
  • People younger than 18 years old
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone with a compromised immune system
  • Anyone with a chronic skin condition

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.

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

Related:

• Rabid Raccoons Found In 2 Harford County Communities
• Rabies Alert In Harford County After Cat Tests Positive
• Rabid Fox Found Near Mauser Drive In Bel Air
• Rabid Raccoon Discovered In Pylesville
• 4th Raccoon In A Week Tests Positive For Rabies In Harford County
• Raccoon, Groundhog Test Positive For Rabies In Harford County
• Another Raccoon Tests Positive For Rabies In Harford County