Rabid Bat Found on UMES Campus
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The Somerset County Health Department (SCHD) has announced that a rabid bat was found in Carver Hall on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus.
On Wednesday afternoon, the department says the bat was discovered and submitted for testing on Tuesday, Aug. 25. This follows the finding of a rabid racoon in Princess Anne on Monday, Aug. 24.
The SCHD 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:
- Report any sick or strange acting wildlife
- Vaccinate your pets and livestock against rabies; all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age
- Do not approach or feed unknown animals, wild or domestic
- 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
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 SCHD at 443-523-1700 during business hours or at 443-859-4419 after hours.
