JARRETTSVILLE, MD—Harford County has confirmed its second case of a rabid raccoon this year after a positive test was returned on a raccoon found in the Jarrettsville area, the Harford County Health Department announced Friday.
The Maryland Department of Health confirmed Thursday that a raccoon found near the 4000-block of Federal Hill Road in Jarrettsville tested positive for the rabies virus. While the animal was located at that specific address, health officials said it may have exposed people or pets in the surrounding area.
This is the second confirmed case of rabies in a Harford County raccoon in 2025. A rabid raccoon was also found in Jarrettsville earlier this month and a rabid groundhog was confirmed in the Monkton area as well.
Health officials stressed that simply seeing a raccoon is not a cause for concern. However, anyone who has had physical contact with a raccoon, or whose pet has, should contact the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for guidance and follow-up.
In light of the confirmed case, the health department is reminding residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their animals. Recommendations include:
- Keeping pets on a leash while walking and monitoring them closely in yards.
- Ensuring all cats, dogs and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Securing trash cans and avoiding leaving pet food outside.
- Refraining from feeding, petting or otherwise interacting with wildlife.
- Notifying Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505 if a stray animal is observed displaying abnormal behaviors such as aggression, excessive affection, lethargy or disorientation.
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