Published: April 20, 2009 10:38 pm      

Garrett County’s first rabies case of year reported in Bittinger area

Low-cost clinics begin May 4

OAKLAND — Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reported Monday the first case of laboratory confirmed rabies in the county in 2009.

The case occurred on April 14 in the Bittinger, Rock Lodge Road area of the county and involved a raccoon.

The raccoon was sent to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene rabies laboratory in Baltimore and the positive result for rabies was reported on Thursday. It was determined that any possible exposure that may have occurred would have been with dogs and cats that have current rabies vaccination. The dogs were revaccinated against the virus and will be closely watched for 45 days. There was no human exposure.

Officials said the case is a reminder to pet owners to check the vaccination status of their dogs, cats and ferrets. Pets can receive rabies vaccinations when they are 3 months of age. Maryland law requires animals to have vaccinations when they are 4 months of age and older. The first rabies shot that a pet receives is good for one year. After that, the rabies shot for a dog or cat is good for three years. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually against rabies.

The health department will conduct its first round of low-cost rabies clinics throughout the county from May 4 through May 9. Clinic sites will be Grantsville, Gorman, Accident, Friendsville, Bloomington and Oakland. Sites and locations for the clinics will be advertised.

Any questions regarding rabies can be directed to the Environmental Health Services section of the health department at (301) 334-7760 or 895-3111.