Third Raccoon in Wicomico Co. Tests Positive for Rabies

WILLARDS, Md. – The Wicomico County Health Department (WCHD) has announced that a third raccoon in the county has tested positive for rabies.

Officials say the raccoon was found near in the area of Rayne Road in Willards after it had contact with a dog. Two other rabid raccoons were located this month in Parsonsburg and 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.