SOMERSET COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS REPORTING A RACCOON THAT TESTED POSITIVE FOR RABIES
Westover, MD - A report from Westover, Maryland, has confirmed that a raccoon in the area has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was discovered in the 7400 block of Mennonite Church Road and subsequently sent for testing to the Maryland State Laboratory.
The animal was collected for testing on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, and the positive results were confirmed the following day.
The incident came to light after a Somerset County resident's dog got into a fight with the raccoon, prompting the collection of the raccoon for further investigation.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can be fatal in 100% of cases if left untreated in mammals, including humans. In response to this incident, the Somerset County Health Department has issued several precautions to help protect the community from potential exposure to rabies.
Residents are advised to report any sick or unusually behaving wildlife, ensure pets and livestock are vaccinated, discourage wildlife or stray animals from seeking food near homes, and avoid contact with unfamiliar animals.
Additionally, residents should securely cover their garbage cans, avoid storing food outside, and instruct children to immediately report any bites or scratches from animals to an adult.
The Somerset County Health Department has also outlined the protocols for pets that come into contact with rabid or suspected rabid animals. Unvaccinated pets must be quarantined for four months, while vaccinated pets should receive a booster rabies vaccination within five days of exposure.
Residents are encouraged to report all animal bites or scratches to the Somerset County Health Department at 443-523-1700 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM) and 443-859-4419 after hours.
The animal was collected for testing on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, and the positive results were confirmed the following day.
The incident came to light after a Somerset County resident's dog got into a fight with the raccoon, prompting the collection of the raccoon for further investigation.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can be fatal in 100% of cases if left untreated in mammals, including humans. In response to this incident, the Somerset County Health Department has issued several precautions to help protect the community from potential exposure to rabies.
Residents are advised to report any sick or unusually behaving wildlife, ensure pets and livestock are vaccinated, discourage wildlife or stray animals from seeking food near homes, and avoid contact with unfamiliar animals.
Additionally, residents should securely cover their garbage cans, avoid storing food outside, and instruct children to immediately report any bites or scratches from animals to an adult.
The Somerset County Health Department has also outlined the protocols for pets that come into contact with rabid or suspected rabid animals. Unvaccinated pets must be quarantined for four months, while vaccinated pets should receive a booster rabies vaccination within five days of exposure.
Residents are encouraged to report all animal bites or scratches to the Somerset County Health Department at 443-523-1700 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM) and 443-859-4419 after hours.
