Rabid Raccoon Found In Anne Arundel County

SHADY SIDE, MD — A raccoon found in Shady Side on Wednesday has tested positive for rabies, officials said.

According to a news release from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the raccoon was found in the 6500 block of Shady Side Road and may have encountered people or pets.

Anyone who may have come in contact with the infected raccoon should contact the Department of Health at 410-222-7254, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also call 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, 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, health officials said.

Rabies can be fatal but preventative treatment is available for anyone who handled, fed or is attacked by an infected animal. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after contact.

The Department of Health advises county residents to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of rabies:

• All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
• Do not allow your pets to run free.
• Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats and foxes.
• If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, and seek medical attention.

Animals that appear sick or injured and have had no human or pet contact can be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 877-463-6497 or the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 after hours.

If you or your pet had physical contact with an animal that is sick or injured, contact Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control during business hours at 410-222-8900 or after hours dial 911 and ask for the on-call officer.

For information about rabies, visit www.aahealth.org/rabies.