A rabid raccoon that was determined to have rabies was discovered in Parkville Wednesday, the Baltimore County Department of Health said.
The raccoon was found in the 2700 block of Summit Avenue in the evening. If anyone or their pets had direct contact with a raccoon in that general area, they should contact the Department of Health at 410-887-5963 during normal business hours, or 410-832-7182 outside of standard hours.
Pets in need of vaccinations can get a low-cost rabies shot from Baltimore County Animal Services. Pet owners can also arrange spay/neutering and micro-chipping through the agency.
The Health Department reminds residents to be careful when taking in stray animals or interacting with unknown animals, as you may not know if they are diseased or vaccinated. Avoid contact with wildlife generally. Make sure to keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all of your pets.
This is at least the third rabid raccoon found in the state this month. Another rabid raccoon was found in Crofton Wednesday. Another infected animal had been discovered in West Annapolis. About a week ago, Baltimore County officials were looking for a woman who dropped off a rabid raccoon at an animal shelter in Baldwin. She has since been found.
Rabies is spread through a bite or a scratch from an infected animal, or when that animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or an open cut. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment must be started as soon as possible.
