Rabies

Working to prevent rabies in our community since 1984

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 mainly 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, and 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 regularly 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 adequately 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. To make an 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.