Rabid Raccoon in Kensington Woods/Upper Ferry Road Area Near Salisbury Friday; Had Contact with Dog

Wicomico County Health officials say that a raccoon tested positive for rabies on Friday in the area of Kensington Woods and Upper Ferry Road near Salisbury after contact with a dog. Health officials advise all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild or stray animals. Rabies is a preventable viral disease that is transmitted from animal to animal or animal to human by biting and/or scratching. It can also be transmitted 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

To report human or animal contact, such as bites or scratches, call the Wicomico County Health Department at (410) 546-4446. For more information on rabies or rabies vaccination clinics, visit our website at www.wicomicohealth.org, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram (WicomicoHealth).