Rabid Bat Found at UMES Campus in Princess Anne

Somerset County, MD - A bat found inside Carver Hall on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus has tested positive for rabies. The bat was collected and sent to the Maryland State Laboratory for testing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Positive results came back the next day, Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The Somerset County Health Department is now reminding the community how to stay safe from rabies exposure.

Rabies is a virus that spreads through the saliva of infected mammals. Once symptoms appear, the disease is fatal in nearly every case if it goes untreated.

Health officials are asking residents to report any wildlife that looks sick or is acting strangely. They also urge pet owners to keep vaccinations current, since Maryland law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age.

Vaccinating pets protects the animals themselves. It also creates a barrier that helps stop rabies from spreading between wildlife and people.

Residents are asked not to feed wildlife or stray animals, and to avoid leaving food outside that might attract them. Garbage cans should stay tightly covered for the same reason.

People should never approach an unknown animal, wild or domestic, especially one behaving oddly.

Children should be taught to tell an adult right away if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.

If an unvaccinated pet has contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, it must be quarantined for four months. A vaccinated pet in the same situation needs a booster shot within five days of the contact.

The Somerset County Health Department asks that all animal bites or scratches be reported. During business hours, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, residents can call 443-523-1700. After hours, the number is 443-859-4419.

Health officials say protecting family and pets from rabies starts with these simple steps.