Rabid Raccoon Found in Nithsdale Neighborhood in Salisbury

Wicomico County Health officials report that a raccoon tested positive for rabies on Thursday in the Nithsdale neighborhood – on Caledonia Drive – in Salisbury. Residents are advised to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild or stray animals. Rabies is preventable, but if left untreated in humans or animals, rabies is fatal. To report human or animal contact – like bites or scratches – call the Wicomico County Health Department at 410-546-4446.

Additional information from Wicomico County Health Department: 

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that exists in the saliva of mammals and is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human by biting and/or scratching. The virus can also be spread by licking, when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts or wounds, and with the mouth, eyes, and nose. If left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal. 

Please keep the following tips in mind to protect your family and your pets:

• Keep pets confined  
• Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals 
• Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone

Vaccinate pets-Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets, 4 months of age and older have a current rabies vaccination.  

• Avoid feeding or watering pets outside   
• Secure outside garbage lids