The Health Department received information from the Maryland State Rabies Lab on March 2, 2012 that a raccoon had tested positive for rabies.
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies on 16TH St. in Frederick, Maryland
FREDERICK, MD – The Health Department received information from the Maryland State Rabies Lab on March 2, 2012 that a raccoon had tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was picked up on Thursday, March 1, 2012 on E. 16th Street in Frederick, Maryland.
For anyone who lives in the area that may have had contact with the raccoon within the last 20 days, consult with your physician and notify the Health Department at 301-600-1717. If any of your pets have been in contact with the raccoon, contact your vet and also notify the Health Department at 301-600-1717.
Rabies is viral disease that is spread by the saliva of the infected animal during bite contact. Human cases of rabies are usually fatal if untreated. Since January 1, 2012 Frederick has had 9 confirmed positive rabid animals. Symptoms of rabies in any animal can include fear of water, limping, salivating, unusually friendly or aggressive, or other atypical behaviors such as seeing nocturnal animals during the daytime.
George Keller, Director for the Health Department’s Environmental Health Services advises the public “To protect your family from possible rabies exposure, both people and pets should avoid contact with wild or stray animals and make sure that your pets are vaccinated”.
Frederick County Animal Control is participating in an offsite rabies vaccination clinic for pets on Saturday, March 10th. Call 301-600-1546 for details.
If you see the stray or wild animals acting abnormally, avoid contact and do not attempt to handle it. Call Animal Control at 301-600-1544 if you or your pet has had any contact to speak with an Animal Control Officer.