These raccoons are the 17th and 18th that have tested positive for rabies from Frederick County in 2012 and both were found in the city of Brunswick.
The Frederick County Health Department received information from the Maryland State Rabies Lab that two raccoons have tested positive for rabies within the last two weeks in Brunswick, MD. The first was a young, injured raccoon which was found on July 4, 2012 along Petersville Road between Greenwood and B Street in Brunswick, MD. The second raccoon was involved in an altercation with dogs on July 18, 2012 on F Street in Brunswick, MD. These raccoons are the 17th and 18th that have tested positive for rabies from Frederick County in 2012 and both were found in the city of Brunswick.
For anyone who lives in the area that may have had contact with the raccoon within the last 20 days, consult with your physician and notify the Health Department at 301-600-1717. If any of your pets have been in contact with the raccoon, contact your vet and also notify the Health Department at 301-600-1717.
Rabies is viral disease that is spread by the saliva of the infected animal during bite contact. Human cases of rabies are usually fatal if untreated. Since January 1, 2012 Frederick has had 22 confirmed positive rabid animals. Symptoms of rabies in any animal can include fear of water, limping, salivating, unusually friendly or aggressive, or other atypical behaviors such as seeing nocturnal animals during the daytime.
George Keller, Director for the Health Department’s Environmental Health Services advises the public "To protect your family from possible rabies exposure, both people and pets should avoid contact with wild or stray animals and make sure that your pets are vaccinated".
The Frederick County Health Department is having a rabies clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets at the Ballenger Creek Park at 5420 Ballenger Creek Pike on August 28, 2012 from 5-8pm. The cost is $8.00 per animal. For additional information call 301-600-1717.
If you see the stray or wild animals acting abnormally, avoid contact and do not attempt to handle it. Call Animal Control at 301-600-1544 if you or your pet has had any contact to speak with an Animal Control Officer.
