Residents Warned Of A Dead Animal Testing Positive For Rabies In Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A dead beaver found in the 14700 block of Governor Oden Bowie Drive has tested positive for rabies. Now, Prince George's County health officials are searching for pets and people who may have been exposed.

The brown-colored beaver had "several unknown wounds" and was discovered by the pond by the county administration building between Sept. 16-30.

“Rabies is often a life-threatening disease; however, it is highly preventable by beginning post-exposure treatment immediately following exposure. Treatment is determined by the type of animal contact and patient assessment,” said Dr. Ernest Carter, Prince George’s County Health Officer. “Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is easily transmissible through a bite of an infected animal. The best method to eliminate the risk of rabies exposure is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. We encourage community members to report any unusual or erratic animal behavior they notice and to avoid handling and feeding any unknown animals in their community.”

People are urged to call the county health department at 301-583-3750 if contact was made with this animal.

When a person is bitten or exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal, the disease is prevented by administering four doses of the rabies vaccine over a 14-days and a dose of rabies immunoglobulin given at the beginning of treatment. Each year, approximately 900 Marylanders receive preventive treatment after exposure to a rabid or potentially rabid animal.

To prevent exposure to rabies:

• Do not approach, handle or feed stray dogs and cats, and enforce leash laws.
• Teach children not to approach any unfamiliar animals.
• Have dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies and keep the vaccinations up to date.
• Do not leave pets outside unattended or allow them to roam free.
• Cover garbage cans tightly and do not leave pet food outside; this may attract wild and stray animals.
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals or animals they do not know.
• Prevent bats from entering a home by using window screens and chimney caps and by closing any openings greater than one-fourth of an inch by half an inch. Bats found in the home should be safely collected, if possible, and tested for rabies.
• Wear gloves when handling an animal if it has been in a fight with another animal. Keep it away from people and other animals and call a veterinarian or the local health department to report the animal exposure.

If a person is bitten by or exposed to an animal that may be rabid, take the following steps:

• If it is a wild animal, try to trap it if you can do so safely. If the animal must be killed, try not to damage the head.
• If it is an owned animal, get the animal owner's name, address and telephone number.
• Immediately wash the wound well with soap and water; if available, use a disinfectant to flush the wound.
• Seek prompt medical attention.
• Immediately report the exposure to your local animal control agency, health department or police.
• Consider treatment if a bat was present and exposure cannot be reasonably ruled out (such as, a sleeping person awakens to find a bat in the room or an adult sees a bat in the room with a previously unattended child or mentally disabled or intoxicated person).