The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has worked to prevent rabies in our community since 1984, when rabies became common in Maryland’s wild animal population. Our Environmental Health team follows up on animal bite incidents and collects specimens for laboratory analysis, when necessary.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start. Learn more.
Report an Incident
- If you see an animal exhibiting any symptoms of rabies, call St. Mary’s County Animal Control at (301) 475-8018
- If bitten or scratched by any animal, call the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department at (301) 475-8008
- For more information on what happens when an animal bite is reported, download the Rabies in St. Mary’s County Fact Sheet, call (301) 475-4330, or email smchd.env@maryland.gov
Protect Your Pet
Pets are our first line of protection against rabies. Protecting them protects us. That is why SMCHD and St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) sponsor regular, low cost rabies vaccination clinics for the community. To view the schedule, click here.
There are several things you can do to protect your pet from rabies:
- Visit your veterinarian with your pet on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date
- Keep pets indoors, in a fenced yard, or leashed when walking
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly
- Call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill
Rabies Prevention & Treatment
Pre-exposure rabies vaccines and titers are available by appointment through the St. Mary’s County Health Department for hunters, taxidermists, veterinary workers, and animal control officers. For appointment, call (301) 475-4330.
Post-exposure rabies management recommendations are available by calling (301) 475-4176. This includes obtaining rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin, at cost, for treatment by primary health care providers.
Rabies Emergency
An after-hours on call system for Environmental Health Services provides coverage for rabies emergencies through the County’s Emergency Control Center at 301-475-8016.