A skunk found near Ryceville Road and Pudges Place in Charlotte Hall has tested positive for rabies, the Charles County Department of Health said Tuesday.
The skunk tested positive on Sept. 28. Anyone who, or whose pet, recently had contact with a skunk in that area should call the health department at 301-609-6768.
It is the fourth rabid animal confirmed in Charles County since late August, according to the health department’s case list. A skunk near Plenty Highlands Place in Port Tobacco and a bat near Green Woods Lane in Waldorf both tested positive Aug. 21. A raccoon near Mary Drive and Shirley Boulevard in Port Tobacco followed Aug. 31. The earlier cases were in the county’s western and central areas. This one is in the northeast corner, near the St. Mary’s County line. Earlier this year, a cat tested positive in Waldorf.
How rabies spreads
Rabies is a viral disease that affects animals and people. It spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch. The virus can enter the body through open cuts or wounds, or through the eyes, nose or mouth.
People and pets can also be exposed secondhand. If a pet tangles with a rabid animal, saliva left on the pet’s coat or fur can carry the virus. The health department advises not touching your pet with bare hands after it has had a run-in with a wild animal, and calling your veterinarian.
Raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats are the most common wild carriers. They can pass the disease to dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock.
Protecting your family and pets
The health department urges residents to:
- Avoid contact with wildlife and unfamiliar animals
- Teach children to stay away from wild or unknown animals
- Keep pets’ rabies vaccinations current
- Ask a veterinarian about vaccinating livestock
Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal that might have rabies should seek medical care promptly and report it to the health department and Charles County Animal Control. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, so treatment right after exposure is critical.
Maryland law requires dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccines are available through veterinarians and at local businesses including Petco, Banfield and Tractor Supply.
Free drive-through clinics
The health department and Charles County Animal Control will hold two free drive-through rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets:
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to noon
- Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to noon
- Location: 10425 Audie Lane, La Plata
Bring your pet’s previous rabies certificate to get a three-year vaccine. For questions, call 301-609-3425 or 301-609-6751.
