Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Wicomico Co.

DELMAR, Md. – The Wicomico County Health Department (WCHD) has announced that a raccoon tested positive for rabies on Monday.

Officials say the raccoon was found near Parsonsburg Road near Melson Road in Delmar. The WCHD is advising all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with wild/stray animals. They also offer the following tips to protect your family and pets:

• Keep pets confined and avoid feeding them outside
• Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone
• Vaccinate pets
• Secure outside garbage bins

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that exists in and is transmitted by the saliva of mammals. Maryland law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets aged four months or older to have a current rabies vaccination. If left untreated, rabies is fatal.

To report human or animal contact, such as bites or scratches, call WCHD at (410)546-4446.