Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Princess Anne

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — The Somerset County Health Department says a raccoon in Princess Anne has tested positive for rabies.

We’re told the raccoon was located in the 10000 block of Clarence Barnes Road and was sent to the MD State Laboratory after biting a person.

The test results were received by the Health Department today.

All residents are advised to report any sick or strange acting wild animals. Rabies is a viral disease that lives in the saliva of mammals and is transmitted by biting and/or scratching, licking, and with the mouth, eyes, and nose. If not treated, rabies is 100% fatal in humans and animals.

Residents are reminded to vaccinate their pets and livestock, teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone, vaccinate pets, avoid feeding or watering pets outside, and secure outside garbage lids.

All animal bites or scratches should be reported to the Somerset County Health Department at 443-523-1700 during business hours or 443-859-4419 after hours.