Raccoons In Recent Anne Arundel Attacks Test Positive For Rabies

Health Department officials are urging anyone who may have come in contact with suspicious raccoons to seek medical attention after two raccoons who attacked domesticated pets tested positive for rabies in Anne Arundel County, officials say.

Annie DeVoe

06/07/2022 3:42 p.m.

The first raccoon attacked a pet and was killed by the pet owner near the intersection of Laico Lane and Dock Road in Pasadena. A second raccoon attack occurred on the 400 block of Adams Lane behind Severna Park High School. Both attacks were on Saturday, June 4.

Rabies is a fatal disease spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon or bat. It is also spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.

Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon. If infected, rabies must be treated as soon as possible.

Residents are advised to not feed wild or stray animals, or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.

If you or your pet had contact with a raccoon near either of these locations, or your pet has unexplained wounds, please contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7254 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours.

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