Officials: Raccoon tested positive for rabies; upcoming clinic to be held in Salisbury

Health officials announce an upcoming rabies clinic after they say a rabies-positive raccoon was found in Salisbury.

Officials with the Wicomico County Health Department says a raccoon found on South Park Drive tested positive for rabies. Officials say on Tuesday, the positive test results were received and  there was no domestic animal or human exposure. 

According to health officials, once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100% fatality rate when left untreated.

The Wicomico County Health Department offers the following tips for avoiding a rabies infection: 

• 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.

An upcoming rabies clinic is scheduled for Thursday, May 24 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Salisbury Moose Lodge. The cost is $10 per animal, cash only.

For more information, call Wicomico County Health Department, Environmental Health Division at 410-546-4446 or click here.