32 animals tested positive for rabies in Frederick County in 2023

Anna Chen
·1 min read
1

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) said a total of 32 animals tested positive for rabies last year.

Among the most common animals to have rabies in Frederick County and Maryland were racoons, according to FCHD.

Rabid raccoon: Prince George’s County Health Department warns community of exposure

Last year, 13 racoons and 13 skunks tested positive for rabies. Other animals included three foxes, one bat, a horse and an otter.

FCHD gave these tips about you should know about rabies:

  • Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals.

  • Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, generally through a bite or scratch exposure. Other possible exposures include getting infected saliva from a rabid animal into an open wound or in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Rabies is not spread by petting a rabid animal or contact with blood, urine, feces or skunk spray.

  • Rabies signs in animals can include unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, excessive salivation, limping, and/or other atypical behaviors.

  • Rabies is nearly always fatal in humans once symptoms develop.

  • Rabies can be prevented in humans with appropriate post-exposure treatment.

What you can do to stay safe:

  • Observe wildlife from a distance and do not touch wild animals.

  • Keep outdoor cat and dog food in areas that wildlife cannot access.

  • Get medical attention for any scratches or bites from unknown animals and report to animal control.

MCDP released body-worn camera footage after shooting, killing coyote that attacked 2 women

For more information, click here.

To view a map and table FCHD created of the rabid animal data from 2017 to 2023, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.