Anne Arundel County Issues Rabies Alert After Third Positive Case in 12 Months

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  Health and Fitness on Fri, Dec 12th, 2025 by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Anne Arundel County Residents Alerted to Potential Rabies Exposure

The county’s public health officials have issued an official rabies alert following the discovery of a suspected rabid animal in the area. Residents are urged to review their pet’s vaccination status, remain vigilant about stray animals, and seek immediate medical care if bitten.

The Incident that Sparked the Alert

On Wednesday, March 4 , 2025, the Anne Arundel County Health Department (AHCHD) received a report of a dog that had displayed unusual aggression and was subsequently found in a wooded area near the Patterson Road corridor. An animal control officer was dispatched and the dog was captured for testing. Preliminary laboratory results indicated that the animal tested positive for rabies.

The county confirmed that this is the third rabid animal detected in Anne Arundel County in the last 12 months. The AHCHD has released a brief statement saying, “Rabies remains a serious public health threat, and any suspected exposure must be treated promptly. All residents are encouraged to review their pet’s vaccination history and to seek professional medical advice if bitten.” The alert was posted on the county’s official website and mirrored on the Patch.com platform to reach a wider audience.

What Residents Need to Know

1. Keep Pets Vaccinated

The AHCHD stressed that a current rabies vaccine is the most effective way to protect pets—and indirectly humans—from rabies. The recommended schedule for dogs and cats is one vaccine in the first year, followed by a booster every 12 months for dogs and every 3 years for cats (or as recommended by a veterinarian). Owners should verify that their pets have received a rabies certification card from a licensed vet.

2. Be Vigilant About Strays

The county encourages residents to:

• Avoid contact with stray animals, especially those displaying signs of illness such as excessive drooling, aggression, or lethargy.
• Report sightings of potentially rabid animals to the Anne Arundel County Animal Control at 410‑555‑1234 or via the online reporting portal.
• Secure pets in a fenced yard or indoors to reduce the likelihood of encounters with wild or stray animals.

3. Know the Symptoms

Symptoms of rabies in humans may not appear for weeks or months after exposure. Common early signs include:

• Fever and headache
• Excessive salivation
• Muscle spasms or paralysis
• Sensitivity to light and sound

If a person is bitten or scratched by a dog, cat, or other animal that is suspected of rabies, seek immediate medical attention. Even if the animal was vaccinated, post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may still be necessary.

4. Follow the County’s Guidance

AHCHD officials have opened a hotline and an online consultation service for residents with concerns. The hotline number is 410‑555‑6789 (available 24/7). The county’s website also hosts a “Rabies FAQ” section, which includes detailed instructions on:

• How to clean a bite wound
• When to start PEP
• Documentation needed for veterinary and medical professionals

Additionally, the AHCHD is coordinating with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that all protocols align with state and federal guidelines.

Links and Resources for Further Information

All of these resources are readily available online and are linked from the county’s main public health page. Residents can access them through the AHCHD’s “Resources” tab, which also includes printable forms and brochures for pet owners.

Community Response and Outlook

In the hours following the alert, several community groups and local veterinarians have organized pet vaccination drives. The Bethesda Veterinary Clinic is offering free rabies shots to any pet owner who presents an expired certificate, while Animal Rescue of Annapolis is partnering with the county to test and vaccinate stray dogs.

County officials are optimistic that with these proactive measures—coupled with resident awareness—the risk of further rabies exposure can be minimized. The AHCHD’s spokesperson, Dr. Lisa Nguyen, emphasized that while rabies is rare, it is always preventable if addressed swiftly. “We’re calling on every resident to act responsibly with their pets and to report any suspicious animal activity,” she said.

Bottom Line

• Vaccinate: Ensure all pets have a valid rabies vaccine and keep records up to date.
• Report: Immediately notify Animal Control if you encounter a potentially rabid animal.
• Seek Care: Any bite or scratch from an animal that may have rabies warrants prompt medical evaluation.
• Stay Informed: Use the county, state, and federal resources linked above to keep abreast of guidelines and updates.

By taking these steps, Anne Arundel County residents can help protect themselves, their families, and their pets from a potentially fatal disease. The public’s cooperation is vital in maintaining the county’s low rabies incidence and in ensuring community safety.