Office of Environmental Health
Rabies Control Program

Maryland law requires that all animal bites and other potential exposures to rabies be reported. All cases involving domestic pets and wild animals are investigated. This office manages pet quarantines and rabies specimen submissions. An Environmental Health staff member is on-call 24 hours a day to receive reports and is accessible through Talbot County’s Emergency Management Office at (410)822-0095.

Maryland law requires that all cats, dogs, and ferrets over the age of 4 months be vaccinated against rabies. This office organizes several low-cost rabies clinics throughout the year. A database is maintained for all rabies vaccinations administered in Talbot County by veterinarians, the humane society, and the health department.

Bat exposures are of special concern. Evidence suggests that a bat’s bite may not be felt. If a sleeping person awakens to find a bat in the room, or a bat is witnessed in a room with a previously unattended child or mentally disabled or intoxicated person, the bat should be caught, without risking further exposure, and tested for rabies.

For questions regarding nuisance wildlife, an information line is available.
The number is 877-463-6497.

Summer Rabies Clinic

Thursday, August 12, 2010    5:30-7:00pm  at the Talbot County Ag Center on Hiners Lane

Fall Rabie Clinic

Wednesday October 6, 2010    5:30-7:00pm  at the Talbot County Ag Center on Hiners Lane

Cost - $6.00 per animal
Dogs on Leashes; Cats & Ferrets in Carriers
Pets must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to receive vaccination

DHMH – Center for Veterinary Public Health- www.edcp.org/vet_med

Forms

Animal Bite Report

Questions & Answers on Rabies