08/20/2024
PLEASE READ: 2 IMPORTANT ANIMAL SAFETY ALERTS
RABIES ALERT
Federick, Md. — The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) is alerting the public after a young stray cat tested positive for rabies earlier this month.
According to FCHD, the cat was captured near the intersection of Garfield Road, John Cline Road and Brown Road on Wednesday after it attacked two people.
After the cat was captured, it tested positive for rabies. The cat is described as a dark gray domestic shorthair female, most likely under a year old with a white neck, chest, belly and paws.
If you have had any contact with this cat between July 31 and Aug. 14, health officials say to contact your health care provider and notify the FCHD's Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. Pets or livestock that may have come into contact with the rabid cat should be seen by a veterinarian and owners should notify the FCHD’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.
NEWS RELEASE FROM MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
This notice is to provide an Animal Safety Alert issued by the State for the
non-tidal Potomac River due to toxic algal mats. Anatoxin was detected at higher
levels than seen before. No animal cases have been reported to date, however,
animal contact with algal mats that have washed up on the shoreline should be
avoided. These harmful algae are native to the Chesapeake Bay and occur in higher
abundances mostly during low flow, high temperatures and when specific nutrient
levels are present. Toxic algae mats are currently located in the Potomac River in
the area from Edwards Ferry to Great Falls, Montgomery County. below Williamsport to Rileys Lock.
These toxins can be quickly absorbed when ingested and are harmful to animals.
Potential signs in dogs include tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, convulsions,
coma, cyanosis, hypersalivation and/or death.
Dog owners are advised to keep pets on leash, prevent them from eating algal
mats (in water or on shore), wash them after being in affected areas, give fresh
water to drink and contact your veterinarian if signs are noted. In addition, please contact Maryland Department of Agriculture Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810.
