Worcester County Issues Rabies Advisory After Infected Raccoon Found

Health officials in Worcester County are advising residents of a confirmed rabies case involving a raccoon found in the vicinity of Oak Hall Road in Pocomoke, Maryland. The Worcester County Health Department is urging anyone who may have had contact with the animal—including bites, scratches, or other direct exposure involving people or pets—to contact the Office of Environmental Health immediately at 410-352-3234. Officials are also asking residents to report any sick animals or those behaving unusually, warning that additional rabid animals may be present in the area. People are advised to avoid contact between wild animals and both humans and pets, and to contact Animal Control or local law enforcement if concerns arise. Pet owners should not handle animals that may have had contact with wildlife and are reminded to ensure all pets, especially those kept outdoors, have current rabies vaccinations as required by Maryland and Worcester County law for dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months old. Residents are encouraged to take precautions such as keeping pets from roaming freely, avoiding leaving food outdoors that could attract wild or stray animals, and teaching children to stay away from unfamiliar or wild animals. More information on rabies is available at www.worcesterhealth.org, and residents with questions or additional information related to this advisory are encouraged to contact Environmental Health at the number provided.