Jun. 19, 2008
Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department has reported the fifth case of laboratory confirmed rabies in the county for 2008.
A raccoon submitted to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene laboratory was confirmed positive for rabies last Thursday, June 12. The incident occurred on Monday, June 9, near Chestnut Grove Road when a raccoon approached a chained dog and a fight occurred.
The dog's owner shot the raccoon and placed it in plastic bags, taking precautions not to come in contact with the wild animal or any bodily fluids. The owner also avoided handling the dog for several hours, according to the Health Department.
The currently vaccinated dog will be given a rabies booster shot and will be monitored for 45 days.
"Positive rabies cases have been reported in all areas of the county," said a Health Department spokesperson. "To protect your pets, make sure they are currently vaccinated against rabies."
Dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months of age and older can be vaccinated. Maryland law requires these animals to be vaccinated by 4 months of age. First shots on dogs and cats are good for one year. Booster vaccinations are good for three years. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.
Persons with questions about rabies are asked to call the Health Department at 301-334-7760.
Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department has reported the fifth case of laboratory confirmed rabies in the county for 2008.
A raccoon submitted to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene laboratory was confirmed positive for rabies last Thursday, June 12. The incident occurred on Monday, June 9, near Chestnut Grove Road when a raccoon approached a chained dog and a fight occurred.
The dog's owner shot the raccoon and placed it in plastic bags, taking precautions not to come in contact with the wild animal or any bodily fluids. The owner also avoided handling the dog for several hours, according to the Health Department.
The currently vaccinated dog will be given a rabies booster shot and will be monitored for 45 days.
"Positive rabies cases have been reported in all areas of the county," said a Health Department spokesperson. "To protect your pets, make sure they are currently vaccinated against rabies."
Dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months of age and older can be vaccinated. Maryland law requires these animals to be vaccinated by 4 months of age. First shots on dogs and cats are good for one year. Booster vaccinations are good for three years. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.
Persons with questions about rabies are asked to call the Health Department at 301-334-7760.
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