Gaithersburg Warns of Rabid Raccoon
Breaking and entering homes to find refuge, raccoons can be expensive intruders. Photo by Buchanan Bill, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Gaithersburg Animal Control officers are warning residents of a rabid raccoon on Wednesday.
The raccoon was spotted about 1 p.m. in the 100 block of Gold Kettle Drive. The raccoon was captured, euthanized and tested for rabies. Test results confirmed that the raccoon was infected with the rabies virus.
Rabies can be fatal to humans or animals if they are exposed and do not receive treatment. If you were in direct contact with a raccoon in this area in the last several weeks, call the Montgomery County Health Department immediately at 240-777-1755.
If your pet had any contact with a raccoon in this area in the last several weeks please contact Gaithersburg Animal Control.
The only way to prevent rabies in your pet is through regular vaccinations. It is extremely important that all dogs or cats you own be properly vaccinated against this disease.
If your pet is not currently vaccinated, contact your veterinarian immediately to schedule an appointment. Also, please note that pursuant to Section 4-8(a) of the City Code, all dogs and cats must be licensed with the City of Gaithersburg.
For more information and for a list of rabies clinics please contact the City of Gaithersburg Office of Animal Control.
I was thinking that raccoons didn’t get rabies but as I was writing this I realized that I was thinking of opossums. Whoops.