OAKLAND — The Environmental Health Services Unit of the Garrett County Health Department has confirmed the county’s second laboratory-verified case of rabies for 2025 — an April 26 altercation involving a raccoon and a Garrett County resident that occurred in the Friendsville area.
According to the health department, the raccoon entered the resident’s garage. While attempting to remove the raccoon, it exhibited aggressive behavior, prompting the resident to kill the animal in self-defense.
Although the encounter did not involve a bite, the raccoon was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on April 29 and test results received on April 30 confirmed the animal was positive for the rabies virus.
The individual involved has been notified and all aspects of the exposure reviewed.
An incident on April 29 involved a resident, startled by what they believed to be a cat fight outside, opened their door and encountered a fox fighting with their pet cats. Upon opening the door, the fox redirected its aggression toward the resident, latching onto the individual’s leg and refusing to release its bite.
The resident called for assistance, and their spouse intervened, eventually freeing the victim by physically removing and throwing the fox, which then fled into nearby woods.
Due to the unavailability of the animal for testing, the victim sought medical care. Emergency room personnel administered rabies treatment as a precautionary measure.
The health department has scheduled low-cost rabies clinics for the vaccination of dogs, cats and ferrets.
Clinics will be held at Grantsville Elementary School on May 12 from 5-6 p.m.; Swanton Community Building on May 13 from 5-6 p.m.; Friendsville Elementary School on May 14 from 5-6 p.m. and at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland on May 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The cost of the vaccination is $5 per animal.
Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible individual. Cats and ferrets must be brought to the clinic in a cage or a tightly secured box with air holes. If a cage or carrier is not available, the cat must be carried in a pillowcase or suitable cloth sack.
For more information about rabies or the clinics, call Environmental Health at 301-334-7760.