The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) Environmental Health Office vaccinated over 150 animals at the first rabies clinic of this year. The clinic was held on June 30th from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Old National Pike Park in Mount Airy, Maryland.
Rabies has a nearly 100% mortality rate once an animal or person starts having symptoms. However, rabies fatalities are preventable in humans through avoiding unvaccinated animals or, if exposed, by early administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. In pets, rabies is preventable by vaccination or by preventing their exposure to unknown or unvaccinated animals. Since it is not always possible to limit your pet’s interactions with unvaccinated wild or stray animals, it is crucial to get pets vaccinated against this deadly disease. According to FCHD Environmental Health Services Director Barry Glotfelty, “The cornerstone of rabies prevention and control is rabies vaccination of domestic animals, so please take this or other opportunities to vaccinate your pets.”
As of July 1, 2024, Frederick County has had 25 animals test positive for rabies in 2024. This includes 18 raccoons, 3 skunks, 2 cats, 1 cow, and 1 fox. You can see information about 2023 rabies numbers, including maps for where rabid animals were found, here. For rabies numbers around the state of Maryland, visit the Maryland Department of Health website.
FCHD will be holding a second rabies vaccination clinic on September 22, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Thurmont Community Park (19 Frederick Road, Thurmont, Maryland) rain or shine. Each vaccination is $10.00 and payable by cash or check only (no debit or credit cards). All dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks old or older are welcome.
For additional information about this vaccination clinic or for general rabies information, please contact 301-600-1717 or visit our website.