ADVISORY: RACCOON FOUND IN SALISBURY (South Park Dr.) TESTS POSITIVE for RABIES.

(Salisbury, MD) – A raccoon found on South Park Drive in Salisbury, MD has tested positive for Rabies. The raccoon was sent to MD State Laboratory for testing. The positive test results were received Tuesday, May 22, 2018.  There was no domestic animal or human exposure.

Once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100% fatality rate when left untreated, in mammals including humans. Wicomico Health 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

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Salisbury Moose Lodge

833 Snow Hill Road Salisbury, MD 21804

Cost: $10.00 per animal

CASH ONLY – NO CHECKS ACCEPTED

Only you can protect your family and pets from the deadly rabies virus. For more information, please call the Wicomico County Health Department, Environmental Health Division at 410-546-4446 or visit www.wicomicohealth.org.