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DOH: Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Anne Arundel County

Posted at 11:11 AM, Jan 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-15 11:15:37-05

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is looking for anyone who may have come in contact with a raccoon near the intersection of Severn Place and Randell Road.

According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the raccoon was found on January 11 and has tested positive for rabies.

If you or your pet had contact with a raccoon, or your pet has unexplained wounds, please call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7256 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours.

The Department of Health says rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected mammal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon 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 raccoon. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible.

The Department of Health advises county residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.

For online information about rabies, click here.