Third 2025 Rabies Case/Rabies Vaccination Clinics

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE OF RELEASE: May 8, 2025

SUBJECT: Third 2025 Rabies Case / Rabies Vaccination Clinics

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

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For the second consecutive week, the Environmental Health Services Unit of the Garrett County Health Department is reporting a laboratory-confirmed case of rabies. This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed rabid animals in the county to three for the year 2025. The latest case occurred on May 3, 2025, in the Oakland-Sang Run area, involving a raccoon and a vaccinated dog.

Following the altercation, a family member handled the deceased raccoon and dog directly. Concerned about the potential for non-bite exposure, the raccoon was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory for testing on May 5, 2025. Test results returned positive for rabies on May 6, 2025.

The individual involved was promptly advised to consult with their family physician, who initiated Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). In addition, following recommendations in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016, the dog was given a rabies booster shot and is being closely monitored under the owner’s care for the next 45 days.

As always, please avoid wild animals when possible. Even if a wild animal may appear docile, they are unpredictable. It is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild animal, do not handle your pet within two hours after contact. However, if it is necessary, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after contact. If you have been bitten by a wild animal that cannot be captured or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical treatment immediately.

To help protect the community, the Garrett County Health Department is offering rabies vaccination clinics on the following dates:

• Grantsville Elementary School, Grantsville, MD – Monday, May 12^th, 5-6 p.m.
• Swanton Community Center, Swanton, MD – Tuesday, May 13^th, 5-6 p.m.
• Friendsville Elementary School, Friendsville, MD – Wednesday, May 14^th, 5-6 p.m.
• Garrett County Health Department, Oakland, MD – Friday, May 16^th, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their dogs, cats, and ferrets. All dogs and cats are required, by law, to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and can be vaccinated as early as three months. The cost of the vaccination is $5 per animal at the clinics. People with questions regarding rabies or rabies clinics should call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.