WESTOVER, Md.- A raccoon in Westover has tested positive for rabies.
The Somerset County Health Department says the raccoon was sent to a lab for testing after a fight with a dog. The raccoon was reportedly caught Monday, October 16, sent for testing on Tuesday, October 17, and the positive results came back today, October 18.
The health department says that rabies has a 100% fatality rate when untreated in mammals, including humans.
Officials are reminding everyone to protect yourself by taking the following steps:
- Report any sick or strange acting wildlife
- Vaccinate pets and livestock. Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Vaccinating your domestic animal not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people
- Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home
- Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, specially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner
- Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside
- Instruct children to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal
- If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabies the pet must be quarantined for four months
- Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabid animals must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.
For more information, you can visit the Somerset County Health Department website.
All animal bites or scratches should be reported to the health department at 443-523-1700 and 443-859-4419 after business hours.
