Health & Fitness

Rabid Raccoon Found In Parkville Area: Health Officials

Did you or your pet come into direct contact with a raccoon recently? The Baltimore County Health Department diagnosed one with rabies.

An animal has tested positive for rabies after being found in the Parkville area on May 8, health officials say.
An animal has tested positive for rabies after being found in the Parkville area on May 8, health officials say. (Shutterstock)

PARKVILLE, MD — A dead raccoon found in the Parkville area this week has tested positive for rabies, according to county health officials. The Baltimore County Health Department is now asking residents to contact authorities if they or their pet has had contact with the raccoon, such as biting, scratching or licking.

The animal was found in the 2700 of Summit Avenue at Strabane Court the evening of Wednesday, May 8, according to the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services.

Anyone who had direct exposure to the raccoon in the area where it was found is asked to contact the Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-887-5963 during normal business hours or at 410-832-7182 outside business hours.

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This was the second rabid raccoon that Baltimore County health officials have alerted people to recently; the other was on Thursday, May 2, after a woman dropped off an animal that later tested positive for rabies in the Baldwin area.

SEE ALSO: Rabid Raccoon Driver Has Been Located

Find out what's happening in Perry Hallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Animals with rabies may act normally during the early stages of the disease.

As the sickness progresses, wild animals may act docile, and domestic animals may become aggressive. Once rabies takes hold, animals may stagger, drool or become paralyzed.

Rabies is a viral disease most commonly transmitted through a bite from an infected animal.

The Baltimore County Department of Health reminds residents of these tips for rabies prevention:

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets and do not allow your pets to roam freely. Call 410-887-PAWS (7297) for more information or visit the county's animal services page on getting pets vaccinated.
  • Avoid contact with wildlife and stray/feral animals, particularly ones that appear sick.
  • Do not provide food, water or shelter to wildlife or strays. If you feed your pets outdoors, do not leave food or water bowls out for extended periods, especially overnight.
  • Consider the risk of rabies and other diseases before interacting with any animal, especially in a home with children, older adults, other pets or people with compromised immune systems. Those considering adopting stray or feral cats should speak with a veterinarian for guidance.



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