Dog tests positive for rabies in Wicomico County

Wicomico County Health Department officials say a dog on East Isabella Street, in Salisbury, tested positive for rabies on Thursday.

The dog was reportedly sent to the MD State Laboratory for testing, after showing neurological symptoms. The positive test results were received Thursday, May 24. Officials say the unvaccinated dog previously came in contact with and killed a raccoon. There was no known domestic animal or human exposure.

According to experts, once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100 percent fatality rate when left untreated, in mammals including humans.

The Wicomico County Health Department recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to rabies:

• Report any sick or strange acting wildlife
• Vaccinate pets and livestock. Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4  months of age. Vaccinating your domestic animal not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.
• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
• Do not feed strays.
• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
• Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.

If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabies the pet must be quarantined for six months. Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.

All animal bites or scratches should be reported to the Wicomico County Health Department at (410) 546-4446 during business hours and 410-543-6996 after hours.
 

The next scheduled rabies clinic is:

May 24, 2018 from 5 PM – 7 PM

Salisbury Moose Lodge

833 Snow Hill Road Salisbury, MD 21804

The cost is $10 per animal, cash only, no checks are accepted.

For more information, call the Wicomico County Health Department, Environmental Health Division at 410-546-4446 or visit www.wicomicohealth.org.