4th Raccoon In A Week Tests Positive For Rabies In Harford County

STREET, MD — Another raccoon has tested positive for rabies, the Harford County Health Department reported Friday.

The raccoon was found off of Emory Church Road in Street and could have exposed other pets or people to rabies, officials noted.

"Witnessing a raccoon is not cause for alarm, but if you or your pets have had contact with a raccoon in this area, please contact the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for follow up," the department stated.

Last week the agency warned residents that three other raccoons had tested positive for the fatal disease. Those animals were found in the 500 block of Walters Mill Road, Forest Hill; 1600 block of Carrs Mill Road, Fallston; and 1000 block of Rock Spring Road, Bel Air.

Related: 3 Raccoons Test Positive For Rabies Across Harford County

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 county health department suggested ways residents can keep themselves and their pets safe by taking the following 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.

Residents are asked to notify Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505 if they 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.

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