Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department has confirmed the first laboratory-confirmed case of rabies in Garrett County for 2026.
The case comes from an incident that occurred on April 10, 2026, in Grantsville involving a raccoon and a newborn goat. On that date, a farmer discovered that one of his goats had been attacked on the nose. While a neighboring individual was tending to the injured goat inside the barn, the farm owner located a raccoon in the same area. The raccoon was safely euthanized and submitted for rabies testing to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on April 13, 2026. Positive test results were confirmed on April 14, 2026.
Following the incident, the goat was immediately euthanized due to the known exposure. The individual who assisted the animal was directed to begin rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after being notified of the confirmed positive result.
Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. All warm-blooded animals are susceptible. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites or open wounds. Animals infected with rabies may exhibit neurological symptoms and noticeable changes in behavior.
It is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild or feral animal, do not handle it within two hours of contact. If it is necessary to handle your pet, make sure to wear protective gloves and immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have been bitten by a wild or feral animal that cannot be captured or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical treatment immediately.
Pet owners are strongly encouraged to ensure that their dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Maryland law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age, with vaccinations permitted as early as three months.
The Garrett County Health Department will host low-cost rabies vaccination clinics during the week of May 11, 2026. Locations, dates, and times can be found on the Health Department’s website: https://garretthealth.org/rabies-clinic-schedule/.
For more information about rabies or upcoming clinics, please contact Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.
