Frederick County Health Department warns public after third rabid groundhog discovered

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — The Frederick County Health Department ( FCHD ) is warning people who live in the Willowcrest community that a groundhog tested positive for rabies.

This is the third groundhog to test positive in the area in the last three months, according to the health department.

Health officials said Frederick County Animal Control picked up the groundhog on Oct. 3 after it was involved in a fight with a dog. The next day, FCHD was notified that the groundhog had tested positive for the disease.

Officials said some of the infected groundhogs have shown aggression to people and pets. According to the department, finding this many rabid animals within a short distance from each other and over a short period is unusual.

Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects animals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually by bite. The FCHD said symptoms include:

• Fear of water
• Excessive salivation
• Failure to eat or drink
• Limping
• Unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, and/or other atypical behaviors such as nocturnal animals emerging during the daytime

The disease is nearly always deadly to humans if infected and the proper treatment is not received.

“Mammals can be infected with the rabies virus so do not touch or play with unknown animals, and make sure your pets are vaccinated,” advised Barry Glotfelty, Director for FCHD’s Environmental Health Services.

The health department and animal control are reminding residents to avoid feeding and interacting with wild animals.

Health officials said if you or your pets had contact with a stray or wild animal to report it to animal control at 301-600-1544 and do the following:

• Notify the FCHD’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342
• Consult a health care provider when if you are bitten
• Consult with your pet’s veterinarian
• Notify the FCHD’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717

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