02/01/2024
π¨ Rabies is nothing to play with! Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations! π¨
Alert: A fox seen near a neighborhood in Taneytown has tested positive for the rabies virus. It was found dead on Friday, January 26th, near Starboard Court, in the Windy Hills Development off of Trevanion Road in Taneytown. It had been seen in the area for a few days prior. The Health Department is concerned that people or pets in the area may have been exposed to the rabies virus.
βRabies 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,β 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 fox can call the Health Department at 410-876-1884 for a risk assessment.
Rabies is most often seen in racc**ns, 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. βObserve wildlife and animals you donβt know from a distance, and keep your pets vaccinated,β advised Mancuso. βIf you see a sick or wounded animal, or one that is acting strangely, call Animal Control at 410-848-4810.β
The Health Department will hold low-cost rabies vaccination clinics on Sunday, April 7 and Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 2-4 pm at the Ag Center in Westminster. Cost is $10 per pet.
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