Calvert County Health Department
Rabies Prevention
Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from an animal infected with rabies to unvaccinated pets and to people. If untreated, rabies is almost always fatal. Rabies is known to exist in all counties in Maryland. For example, in Calvert County a horse tested positive on May 15 2008.
To protect you and your family from rabies you should:
- Protect Your Pets. Maryland State and Calvert County law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated at four months of age and thereafter, kept current. If your unvaccinated pet is exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies or has a wound from an unknown source, law requires that the animal be either euthanized (humanely put to sleep) or put in quarantine for six months. It is important to keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date at all times.
- If you have been bitten or exposed. Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water to reduce the risk of getting rabies. Get the name, address and telephone number of the animal's owner. If you were bitten by a wild animal, or bat, try to capture or confine the animal if you can do so safely. If the animal must be killed, try not to damage the head. Seek medical attention immediately. Notify the Sheriff’s Department of all animal bites at 410/535-2800.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or stray domestic animals. Teach your children not to play with or approach any unfamiliar animals.
- Confine pets to your home or yard. Allowing pets to roam freely is unlawful and may result in a fine.
- In Calvert County, notify the Sheriff’s Department at 410/535-2800 of stray domestic animals in your neighborhood.
For more information on rabies go to the Centers for Disease Control site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies
