Residents who may have come into contact with the groundhog are asked to call their health care provider.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Health Department says a groundhog found last week in the Taskers Chance neighborhood has tested positive for rabies. The groundhog turned up in a stormwater management pond near the Taskers Chance swimming pool along Bel Aire Lane. Animal Control Officers collected the groundhog on Thursday, July 18th at 9:00 PM after it attacked a dog earlier that evening.
The Health Department says anyone who has had contact with this groundhog or any other wildlife should get in touch with their health care provider; and then contact the Health Department’s Community Service Office at 301-600-3342. . If your pet has had contact with this groundhog or any wildlife, contact your veterinarian; and then call the Health Department’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717..
Rabies is a viral disease that once it’s contracted by humans is nearly always fatal unless post exposure treatment is administered. The virus infects mammals, or warm-blooded animals, and its spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite.
Symptoms of rabies in animals may include fear of water, excessive salivation, failure to eat or drink, limping, unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, and/or atypical behaviors such as nocturnal animals emerging during the daytime.
“To protect your family from possible rabies exposure, make sure that your pets are currently vaccinated, and do not touch or play with wild or stray animals,” says Barry Glotflelty, the Director of the Frederick County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services.
Health Department officials say if your pet has had contact with a stray animal or wild animal, call Animal Control at 301-600-1544 to speak with an Animal Control Officer. For general information about rabies, call 301-600-1717, or go on line to https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/rabies.
By Kevin McManus