Last updated: March 8, 2023

RABIES ALERT – June 7,  2022 — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking anyone who may have come in contact with a raccoon in Pasadena or Severna Park. One incident occurred on Laico Lane near the intersection of Dock Road in Pasadena, Maryland. The raccoon, which was found on June 4, has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon attacked a pet and was killed by the owner.

A second raccoon, also discovered on June 4, attempted to attack a pet unsuccessfully in the 400 block of Adams Lane behind Severna Park High School. That raccoon was also killed by the pet’s owner.

If you or your pet had contact with a raccoon near either of these locations, or your pet has unexplained wounds, please contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7254 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon or bat. It is also spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.

Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible. The Department of Health advises county residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.

For online information about rabies, click here.

To get a free fact sheet on rabies, call 410-222-7254.