Rabies Exposure Information
Rabies persists in Somerset County and a vaccination is your pet's only protection from the virus.
The top five animals in Maryland that test positive for rabies are bat, cat, fox, raccoon, and skunk.
Any animal bite is a potential rabies exposure.
All potential exposures should be reported to the local Health Department as soon as possible.
Our Environmental staff works closely with Communicable Disease nurses for clinical investigation of potential human exposures.
To report a Somerset County incident, call the SCHD Environmental Health department at 443-523-1700 during normal working hours (8am – 5pm).
After hours, and on weekends or holidays, call the on-call phone at 443-859-4419.
There is always a member of the Environmental staff on-call to provide consultation relating to a possible rabies exposure.
Rabies Clinic Information
In Maryland, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age.
SCHD offers animal rabies clinics in the spring and fall to provide for the low-cost vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets.
For animals to receive a 3 year vaccination, please present a current vaccination certificate. Otherwise, all shots will be for 1 year only.
CDC: About Rabies
CDC: Rabies in the United States: Protecting Public Health
