Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Tyaskin, Marking Ninth Case in Wicomico this Year

TYASKIN, Md. – The Wicomico County Health Department has announced that another raccoon in the county has tested positive for rabies.

On Thursday morning, the department said the rabid raccoon was found in the area of Steele Drive in Tyaskin. This marks the ninth case of rabies detected this year.

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.