UPDATE: Fourth Raccoon in Wicomico Co. Tests Positive for Rabies
UPDATE: The Wicomico County Health Department (WCHD) has announced that another raccoon has tested positive for rabies, making it the fourth case in the county in just two months.
On Tuesday, Apr. 28, a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the area of Hazel Street and Old Ocean City Road in Salisbury after having contact with a dog. The Wicomico County Health Department is advising all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild and/or stray animals.
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.
This article was originally published on Mar. 24 at 3:50 p.m.
