Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department has confirmed the second laboratory-confirmed case of animal rabies in Garrett County in 2026.
On June 21, 2026, a Swanton resident’s dog, whose rabies vaccination had lapsed, fought with and killed a raccoon. Following the incident, the owner took the appropriate precautions and submitted the raccoon to the Garrett County Health Department for rabies testing on June 22. The Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory confirmed a positive rabies test on June 24, 2026.
In accordance with the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, the dog received a rabies booster vaccination and is being closely monitored under the owner’s care for a 45-day observation period.
This incident serves as an important reminder that if your pet is exposed to a wild or feral animal, you should avoid handling your pet for at least two hours after the encounter whenever possible. If handling is necessary, wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately afterward.
Anyone who has been bitten by a wild or feral animal that cannot be captured for testing, or who has been exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, should seek medical attention immediately.
Pet owners are strongly encouraged to keep their dogs, cats, and ferrets 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 be administered as early as three months of age.
For more information about rabies, please contact Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7760.
