It’s the third such groundhog found in the same geographic area that tested positive for rabies.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Health Department says a groundhog found in the city of Frederick has tested positive for rabies. Animal Control Officers collected the groundhog on Thursday, October 3rd in the WIllowcrest neighborhood after the animal got into a fight with a dog. The positive rabies test was confirmed the next day.
Officials say this is the third groundhog to test positive for rabies found in the same geographic area in the past three months. The Health Department says finding this many rabid animals within a quarter mile from each other in a short period of time is unusual. Residents are reminded that wild animals live in residential areas, and individuals are urged to avoid interaction or feeding these animals.
Rabies is a viral disease which is spread through the saliva of an infected animal usually through a bite. Symptoms of rabies in animals are fear of water, excessive salvation, failure to eat or drink, limping, and unusually friendly or aggressive behavior. It can also include normally nocturnal animals coming out during the daytime. In humans, rabies is almost always fatal, especially if there is no post-exposure treatment.
Anyone who is bitten by an animal should report it to their health care provider, and call the Health Department’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. If your pets have been bitten by wild animals, contact your veterinarian, and call the Health Department’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.
By Kevin McManus