Garrett County Health Department Issues Rabies Advisory Following Feral Cat Incident Near Deep Creek Drive

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE OF RELEASE: June 25, 2025

SUBJECT: Garrett County Health Department Issues Rabies Advisory Following Feral Cat Incident Near Deep Creek Drive

CONTACT PERSON: Bryce A. Manges, L.E.H.S. | TELEPHONE: 301-334-7760

As a follow-up to last week’s confirmed case of rabies in a gray feral cat near Deep Creek Drive, the Garrett County Health Department is urging residents to remain cautious around feral and wild animals. New information reveals that, in the days leading up to the June 12th incident, three additional feral cats were observed with the infected animal. The individual reporting this was also attacked by the gray cat and began the rabies PEP.  

It is important for the public to understand that the rabies virus presents serious health risks to both humans and animals. The virus typically incubates in an infected host for 3 to 12 weeks, though this period can range from several days to several months. Infected animals may shed the virus in their saliva 3 to 5 days before clinical symptoms appear. Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal within 10 days.

Given the recent activity in the area and the ongoing public health risk, the Garrett County Health Department is asking residents to report any sightings of feral cats in the Deep Creek Drive area of McHenry. If you have had any direct or indirect contact with a feral cat, please contact the department immediately for an incident review.

As always, it is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild or feral animal, do not handle it within two hours of contact. If it is necessary to handle your pet, make sure to wear protective gloves and immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have been bitten by a wild or feral animal that cannot be captured, seek medical treatment immediately. 

For questions or to report sightings, please contact Environmental Health at the Garrett County Health Department. Additional rabies prevention and safety information is available at the Maryland Department of Health website:

https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/CZVBD/pages/rabies.aspx

*Note, the photo depicted may not be a match for the cats described. This is a stock photo. Please contact the Environmental Health Services Unit for additional details regarding the exact description of the cats.