Rabies Alert Riva-Davidsonville – Eye On Annapolis

The Anne Arundel County Health Department is looking for anyone who may have come into contact with a raccoon in Davidsonville on Governer’s Bridge Road between Riva Road and St. George Barber Road. The raccoon, found on July 15, tested positive for rabies.

If you or your pet have been in contact with this infected animal, or your pet has unexplained wounds, please contact the Anne Arundel County Health Department at 410-222-7254 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 443-481-3140 during after-hours.

Rabies is transmitted when an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon, or bat, bites or scratches another person or animal. Rabies is also transmitted when the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with the person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.

Preventive treatment may be necessary for anyone who has touched, fed, or been attacked by the infected animal. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible. The health department advises county residents to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of rabies:

• All pets should have a current rabies vaccination.
• Do not let your pets run around freely.
• Keep your garbage outdoors in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid contact with all wild animals, especially wild cats, raccoons, bats and foxes.
• If you are bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.

For information on rabies, click here.

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