On October 2, 2026, the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) reported that a stray kitten found near Loys Station Park in Rocky Ridge tested positive for rabies. The kitten, described as a 6-7-week-old black and white tuxedo with a distinctive white mark on its head, was collected by Frederick County Animal Control on October 1 after exhibiting aggressive behavior, a common indicator of rabies infection.
The FCHD is urging anyone who may have had contact with the kitten between September 17 and October 1 to consult their healthcare provider. Residents are also advised to notify the FCHD’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. Additionally, pet owners whose animals may have interacted with the kitten should reach out to their veterinarian and inform the FCHD’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.
Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects mammals and is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often via bites. Symptoms in animals can include fear of water, excessive salivation, changes in appetite, and unusual behavior, such as aggression or daytime activity in nocturnal species. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal to humans.
Barry Glotfelty, Director of FCHD’s Environmental Health Services, emphasized the importance of preventing rabies through avoidance of contact with stray or wild animals and ensuring that pets are vaccinated. To assist with vaccination efforts, the FCHD is hosting a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on October 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Thurmont Community Park.
Residents who encounter stray or wild animals are encouraged to report incidents to Animal Control at 301-600-1544 to help mitigate the risks associated with rabies and protect community health.
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Read the original article at Frederick County Government