04/10/2024
Confirmed rabies case in Hampstead! Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially displaying odd behavior and/or approaching your pet! Also stay up to date on vaccines!! 🫶🏼
Dead Raccoon in Hampstead Tested Positive for Rabies:
On the night of October 2nd, the raccoon entered a home on Main Street in Hampstead across from Greenmount Bowl and encountered a dog. The raccoon was safely removed by Animal Control but had to be euthanized, and it tested positive for rabies.
The Health Department is concerned that other pets or people in the area may have been exposed to the infected raccoon.
“Rabies exposure occurs through bites and scratches or saliva from the infected animal getting into the eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound of a person or another animal,” said Joe Mancuso, Rabies Program Manager at the Health Department.
Anyone who may have been exposed or whose pet may have been exposed to bites, scratches, or saliva from this raccoon can call the Health Department at 410-876-1884 for a risk assessment.
Rabies is most often seen in raccoons, cats, skunks, foxes, groundhogs, and bats in Maryland, but can sometimes be seen in other animals such as dogs, ferrets, deer, and even cows and other farm animals. “Observe wildlife and animals you don’t know from a distance, and keep your pets vaccinated,” advised Mancuso. “If you see a sick or wounded animal, or one that is acting strangely, call Animal Control at 410-848-4810.”
To keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe from rabies:
- Do not approach, handle, pet, or feed wild or stray animals.
- Have your dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated against rabies and keep their vaccinations up-to-date.
- Do not leave pets outside unattended or allow them to roam free.
- Cover garbage cans tightly and do not leave pet food outside.
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals and any animals that they do not know.
- Prevent bats from entering your home by using window screens and chimney caps. Bats found in the home should be safely collected, if possible, and tested for rabies.
If you or your pet have been bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal, wash the area with soap and water for several minutes. Keep your pet away from other people and pets. Then call your physician or veterinarian and contact the Health Department (410-876-1884).
Kayla DiBartolomeo- Veterinary Technician
