08/22/2026
Please make sure your pets are current on their rabies vaccinations - it is a serious & unpredictable threat in our community.
For immediate release: Raccoon in Westminster Tested Positive for Rabies.
According to the Carroll County Health Department, a raccoon in the Westminster area has tested positive for rabies. Animal Control was called to the Meadow Creek apartments on the morning of August 17, 2026, for an aggressive raccoon that came out of the woods near a small play area at the end of the parking lot. The raccoon was captured and euthanized, and 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 before its death.
“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. The Health Department’s next low-cost rabies vaccination clinic is Sunday,
September 20, 2-4 pm, at the Ag Center in Westminster. Learn more and register at
https://health.maryland.gov/carroll/Pages/Rabies.aspx
-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).
For more information: https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/rabies.aspx.
