Rabies case near Westover

 
(Crisfield-Somerset County Times)

WESTOVER — The Somerset County Health Department reports a raccoon collected from the 7400 block Mennonite Church Road tested positive for rabies by the Maryland State Laboratory.

The raccoon had encountered a resident’s dog, and a fight ensued, with the raccoon was sent off for testing on March 12.

Residents are asked to report sick or strange-acting wildlife, or bites or scratches they may receive from the animal to the Health Department, 443-523-1700 during business hours. After hours or weekends call 443-859-4419.

Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabid animals must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.

If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabies the pet must be quarantined for four months.