Rabid Raccoon Found In Glen Burnie, Man Contacted By Health Care

MILLERSVILLE, MD — A man believed to have picked up a rabid raccoon in Glen Burnie and left it at an animal shelter has been identified, authorities said Monday. Last week photos were released of a man police and health officials wanted to talk to about the animal left at Animal Care & Control, 411 Maxwell Frye Road in Millersville, on Nov. 26.

Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control says with help from police the man who may have information about the infected raccoon has been identified. The man has been put in touch with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. Anyone who has direct contact with wildlife or whose pet has direct contact with wildlife, specifically animals that can carry rabies, should call Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control at 410-222-8900. Do not attempt to trap or catch any suspected rabid animals on your own, authorities say.

Photos released on Friday showed a man and possibly his vehicle, which may be a 2000 Nissan Frontier king cab, that may have transported the infected animal. The dead raccoon was left in a cardboard box at the rear of the shelter. Rabies is a fatal disease, and anyone exposed to it must begin vaccines as soon as possible, the Health Department said.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a raccoon, cat, fox, groundhog or bat. It also is spread when the infected animal's saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.

Vaccination may be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon left at the animal shelter, the Health Department said. Preventive treatment or additional care may be required for any pets or domesticated animals that had contact with the raccoon.

The Health Department warns Anne Arundel residents to avoid feeding wild or stray animals or leaving food dishes outside. Pet owners also should keep their animals' rabies vaccinations current.

How is rabies spread?

The rabies virus lives in the saliva of a rabid animal and is most commonly spread through a bite from an infected animal. The virus can also be spread from scratches and from infected saliva entering a wound or mucous membrane (eyes, nose or mouth).

What types of animals are at greatest risk?

In Anne Arundel County, rabies is most often seen in raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Unvaccinated domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and farm animals, are also at risk.

What are some signs of a rabid animal?

The most consistent sign of rabies is a change in normal behavior. Some animals become excitable, irritable and aggressive, while others appear shy, timid, calm and docile. Animals that are normally active at night may become active and visible during the day. Infected animals may also have difficulty walking or may seem disoriented. Other signs include weakness, paralysis, inability to eat or drink, drooling, foaming at the mouth, and convulsions.

How can I protect my family and pets against rabies?

Be sure your dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies, and keep your pet's vaccination up-to-date. Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age and older be vaccinated against rabies. Pet cats need to be vaccinated and kept inside. See Animal Control for information about vaccinations, licensing and other laws regarding pets. See Basic Indoor Cat Needs.

Discourage wild animals from coming into your yard and house by following these recommendations:

• Keep all trash in tightly secured trash cans with lids.
• Do not touch or feed wild or stray animals. Wild animals, even cute young ones, that look as if they need affection, help or rehabilitation might in fact have rabies.
• Teach your children not to play with stray, strange or wild animals.
• Rabies Web Page for Kids (CDC). Click here for Rabies Elementary School Curriculum.
• Keep all doors, windows and other openings tight fitting and secure against animal entry.
• Maryland law prohibits residents from possessing certain wild animals, including raccoons and foxes, because these and other animals can pose a significant risk to humans. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators should handle wildlife. More Information About Young Wildlife and Reporting Injured, Sick or Nuisance Wildlife to the Department of Natural Resources

Where can I go to get my pet vaccinated?

Rabies immunizations are available through your local veterinarian or through Anne Arundel County Animal Control, 411 Maxwell Frye Road in Millersville, at weekly clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets held Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. For more information visit Animal Control or call 410-222-8900.

Images courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health; a raccoon in the wild via Shutterstock