25 animals test positive for rabies in Frederick County, health officials say

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Health officials in Federick County, Md. warned the community to keep their pets and family safe after multiple animals tested positive for rabies.

As of July 1, the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) Environmental Health Office said 25 animals tested positive for the deadly virus in the county.

Infected animals included:

• 18 raccoons
• 3 skunks
• 2 cats
• 1 cow
• 1 fox

According to the FCHD, rabies has a nearly 100% mortality rate once an animal or person starts having symptoms.

But, the virus is preventable in humans by simply avoiding contact with unvaccinated or exposed animals, or getting an early administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, if exposed.

Animals – specifically pets – can avoid getting rabies if they’re vaccinated and kept away from exposed or unvaccinated animals.

“The cornerstone of rabies prevention and control is rabies vaccination of domestic animals, so please take this or other opportunities to vaccinate your pets,” said Barry Glotfelty, the Director of the FCHD Environmental Health Services.

On June 30, the health department vaccinated over 150 animals at its first rabies clinic of the year.

To continue preventing animal and human exposure, the health department is hosting its second rabies vaccination clinic on Sept. 22. at the Thurmont Community Park, located at 19 Frederick Rd., Thurmont, Md. The rain-or-shine event starts at 11:30 a.m. and vaccinations will be available for cats, dogs and ferrets 12 weeks or older. Each vaccination costs $10.

For more information on rabies across Maryland, visit the Maryland Department of Health website .

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