News Release
For Immediate Release: April 28, 2011
Contact Person: Tina L. Buckel, R.S., 301-334-7760
Second 2011 Rabies Case Announced
Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the second case of laboratory confirmed case of rabies in Garrett County for 2011. This most recent incident occurred on Sunday, April 24, 2011, in the Bishoff Road area of the county, and involved a raccoon and a currently vaccinated dog. The property owner shot the raccoon and contacted personnel from Environmental Health. The raccoon was sent to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Rabies Laboratory on Monday, April 25, 2011 and found to be positive for the rabies virus.
There was no human contact with the raccoon and the owner of the dog used gloves while handling both the raccoon and the dog, directly after the incident. The dog has been revaccinated against rabies and will be closely observed for 45 days.
This incident reinforces the importance of keeping household pets current with their rabies vaccinations. Dog, cat and ferret owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets to assure protection against rabies.
The Garrett County Health Department will be holding the spring week of low cost rabies clinics throughout Garrett County from Monday, May 9 through Saturday, May 14, 2011. Locations and times will be published in the newspapers and announced on the radio. The cost per animal is still $5.00. All dogs, cats and ferrets over four months of age are required, by law, to be vaccinated. These animals can be vaccinated at three months of age.
The Health Department would like to remind individuals that, if they find it necessary to dispatch wildlife due to contact with pets or humans, do not shoot the animals in the head as the brain material is the portion of the animal tested for the virus. In addition, persons should not handle pets or wildlife within two hours of an incident unless wearing gloves. Virus on the coats of pets will be dead after two hours of contact.
Anyone with questions regarding rabies or the upcoming rabies clinics should contact Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7760.