09/03/2026
PSA: We seeing an uptick in confirmed cases of rabies in our community. Please contact your veterinarian and ensure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccines are good for either 1 or 3 years depending on the age of vaccination and type of vaccine administered. A booster vaccine may be needed if bitten or in contact with animals with unknown vaccination history.
Rabies is a preventable disease. If your pet has contact with wildlife, stray animals, and/or an animal with unknown vaccination history- please reach out to your veterinarian or UVC for guidance.
A kitten found in the 3300 block of Paper Mill Rd. in Jacksonville on 8/27 tested positive for rabies on 9/1. BCAS has identified one human exposure and is working to alert the caretakers of registered community cat colonies in the area.
Anyone who may have had contact with this animal, described as an approx. 16-week-old orange domestic medium haired male, is urged to seek immediate medical attention from their healthcare provider or a hospital emergency room.
In addition to seeking immediate medical addition, residents should contact the Baltimore County Department of Health if you or your pet came into direct contact with the kitten and sustained bites, scratches and/or licks. The number to call during normal business hours is 410-887-5963. You should call 410-832-7182 outside of normal business hours (after 4:30 pm Monday - Friday and on weekends).
Residents are reminded of the potential dangers of feeding or handling stray or unknown animals and should adhere to the following rabies prevention tips:
• Consider the risk of rabies and other diseases before taking in or interacting with any animal, especially if the home contains children, persons with certain illnesses, elderly, or other pets.
• Since rabies remains uncontrolled in the wild, avoid contact with wildlife as well as stray or feral animals, especially if they appear to be sick. There is no risk-free contact with these animals with regard to physical injury, rabies and other diseases.
• Do not provide food, water or shelter to wildlife or strays. If you feed your pets outdoors, do not leave food or water bowls out for extended periods, especially overnight.
• Persons considering adopting stray or feral cats should speak with a veterinarian for guidance. Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets and do not allow your pets to roam freely.
Our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) Program requires caregivers to maintain colonies where all cats are sterilized, vaccinated against Rabies and FVRCP, ear-tipped and microchipped. Having community cats up-to-date on rabies vaccines helps to further protect public health. We also offer FREE rabies vaccine boosters for TNR’d cats.
BCAS is a hosting a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic in October. The date will be announced shortly. For a list of other rabies vaccination clinics, visit our website: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/animal-services/rabies-clinics
