Health Department Reports Second Case of Lab-Confirmed Rabies for 2024 – Announces Low-Cost Rabies Clinics for 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE OF RELEASE: May 1, 2024
SUBJECT: Second 2024 Rabies Case / Rabies Vaccination Clinics
CONTACT PERSON: Bryce A. Manges, L.E.H.S. TELEPHONE: 301-334-7760

Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the second case of laboratory-confirmed rabies for 2024. Along with the case, the Department announces the first series of low-cost rabies clinics for 2024.

On April 25, 2024, a dog whose rabies vaccination was current encountered a skunk in Deer Park. The skunk was submitted for rabies testing to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory, and a positive rabies result was received on April 30, 2024. The owner was advised to have their dog boosted against the rabies virus and closely monitor the dog for 45 days.

This incident serves as a timely reminder for pet owners to check the vaccination status of their dogs, cats, and ferrets. The vaccination clinics will begin on Thursday, May 16 and conclude on May 22, 2024. Pet owners are encouraged to check the following schedule for the exact times and locations of the clinics in their area.

The clinics are as follows:

• Swanton Community Center, Thursday, May 16, 5-6 p.m.
• Garrett County Health Department, Saturday, May 18, 10-11 a.m.
• Grantsville Elementary School, Monday, May 20, 5-6 p.m.
• Friendsville Elementary School, Wednesday, May 22, 5-6 p.m.

The cost of the vaccination is $5 per animal at the clinics. Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible individual. Cats and ferrets must be brought to the clinic in a cage or a tightly secured box with air holes. If a cage or carrier is not available, the cat must be carried in a pillowcase or a suitable cloth sack. Close contact with the animals at the clinics increases the risk of bites or scratches. Please be prepared to restrain and control your animals to avoid a potential incident.

Unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to rabid animals face the possibility of being euthanized to protect their owners and the general public. The grief that comes from losing a family pet can be avoided by keeping vaccinations current.

To protect your pets and family, keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Although Maryland law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months of age to be vaccinated against rabies, they may be adequately vaccinated at three months of age. Dogs and cats need to be revaccinated every three years. Puppies and kittens, vaccinated between the ages of three and twelve months, and dogs and cats receiving their first vaccination must be revaccinated 12 months later. Ferrets need to be revaccinated every year.

Failure to vaccinate pets against rabies in Maryland is a violation of the Annotated Code of MD Health General Article 18, Section 318 and may be punishable by a fine of up to $500 per animal. For more information about rabies or these clinics, call Environmental Health at 301-334-7760.