Rabies Alert in Salisbury: Raccoon Tests Positive Near Hazel Street and Old Ocean City Road
Wicomico County, MD - A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Salisbury, Maryland, health officials confirmed on April 28, 2026. The animal came into contact with a dog in the area of Hazel Street and Old Ocean City Road.
The Wicomico County Health Department is now urging all residents in the area to stay alert and use caution when outdoors.
Rabies is a serious viral disease that is almost always fatal if it goes untreated in both humans and animals. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most often through bites or scratches. The virus can also enter the body through open wounds or the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Health officials are reminding the community that wild animals are unpredictable, especially when sick. A rabid animal may act strangely, appear disoriented, or show no fear of people, which is not normal behavior.
The Wicomico County Health Department is advising all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild or stray animals.
This is not the first rabies case in Wicomico County this year. Several raccoons have tested positive for rabies across the county since early 2026, including cases in Delmar, Parsonsburg, and Willards. Health officials have been consistently warning residents to take precautions throughout the spring.
Pet owners should take this alert seriously. Maryland law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age and older to have a current rabies vaccination. A pet that is up to date on its rabies vaccine is not only protected, it also serves as a barrier between wild animals and your family.
If your pet had any contact with a wild or stray animal, contact your veterinarian right away. Vaccinated pets that come into contact with a potentially rabid animal may need a booster shot within five days of exposure.
There are some easy steps every household can take to reduce the risk. Keep your pets confined and do not let them roam freely outdoors unsupervised. Avoid leaving food, water, or unsecured garbage outside, as these can attract wildlife to your yard. Teach children to never approach or touch a wild or stray animal, no matter how calm the animal may seem.
If you or someone you know has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, seek medical attention immediately. Time matters when it comes to rabies exposure.
To report any human or animal contact with a suspected rabid animal, call the Wicomico County Health Department at 410-546-4446 during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, call 410-543-6996.
Stay aware, keep your pets protected, and do not take chances with wildlife in your neighborhood.
