Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department is reporting the third and fourth laboratory-confirmed rabies cases in Garrett County for 2026. In separate incidents, a lamb and a raccoon tested positive for the rabies virus.
The third confirmed rabies case began in the Grantsville area on June 29, 2026, when a veterinarian examined a lamb exhibiting neurological symptoms. The lamb was submitted to the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Frederick Animal Health Laboratory on July 2, 2026, for testing. On July 6, 2026, the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory confirmed that the lamb tested positive for rabies.
Following confirmation of the positive test result, public health officials determined that multiple families may have had close contact with the lamb. Individuals with potential exposures were evaluated and advised to begin rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when appropriate.
The fourth confirmed rabies case occurred near the Oakland area on July 5, 2026. A resident discovered an injured raccoon on their property. Since the resident had handled their pet before realizing it may have injured the raccoon, the raccoon was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory for testing on July 6, 2026. The raccoon tested positive for rabies on July 7, 2026, and the exposed individual began rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
If you are bitten by a wild or feral animal that cannot be captured for testing, seek medical attention immediately. If your pet is exposed to a wild or feral animal, avoid handling your pet for at least two hours after the encounter. If handling is necessary, wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately afterward.
Pet owners are encouraged to verify that their dogs, cats, and ferrets are current on their rabies vaccinations. Maryland law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age, although vaccination may begin as early as three months of age.
The Garrett County Health Department will hold rabies vaccination clinics in September. For more information about rabies prevention or upcoming rabies clinics, please contact Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.
