The Harford County Health Department issued two rabies alerts this week— one on Tuesday for a raccoon that tested positive in the Forest Hill area, and another on Wednesday for a positive raccoon in Joppa.

Health department data show March’s rate aligns with previous years, with cases expected to rise as warmer weather continues.

“The majority of rabies-positive animals are submitted during the spring, summer and fall when wildlife is most active and when pet owners are more likely to come in contact with wildlife,” said Ronya Nassar, public information officer.

Nassar has reported three cases of rabies in animals this month, slightly above the March average of two to three cases since 2022.

When a potentially infected animal is reported, the health department works with animal control personnel, the Department of Natural Resources and local wildlife groups to contain it, Nassar said. The animal is then transported to the Maryland Department of Health laboratory in Baltimore for testing. Once a positive test result is confirmed, the health department issues an alert and publishes a news release.

The department typically receives reports of potentially rabid animals from county residents, Nassar said, although notices from animal control, DNR and local veterinarians are also common. To report an animal bite or possibly rabid animal, county residents are advised to submit a form on the health department’s website or dial 410-638-3000.

When a pet is reported bitten or scratched by an animal that might be rabid, the health department follows up to confirm it is properly vaccinated. Nassar noted that Harford County dog owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination when asked.

The department partners with the Humane Society of Harford County to offer three low-cost rabies vaccination clinics each spring, with additional clinics planned throughout the year. This spring, vaccinations will be available first on April 27 at the Susquehanna Hose Company in Havre de Grace, followed by clinics on May 4 at the Aberdeen Fire Department and Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, according to the HSHC website. Vaccinations cost $10 per animal, payable by cash or check.

Post-exposure treatment for humans is not logged or recorded by the health department, Nassar said, as it is a “personal matter left to the victim and their physician.” She noted that many residents seek treatment even if their exposure is minimal, just to be safe.

The health department provided the following methods to prevent rabies exposure:

  1. Always keep pets leashed when out for walks and closely monitored in your backyard.
  2. All cats, dogs and ferrets should remain up to date on their rabies vaccinations through their vet office or local rabies vaccination clinic.
  3. Cover trash cans and do not leave pet food outside.
  4. Avoid feeding, petting or interacting with wildlife in any way.
  5. Notify Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505 if you observe a stray animal showing abnormal behaviors such as excessive affection, aggression, lethargy or disorientation.

Rabies cases in Harford County rose to 24 last year, up from 11 in 2023, according to the Maryland Department of Health. However, Nassar noted that 21 animals tested positive in 2022.

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