Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Nithsdale Neighborhood of Salisbury, Maryland

Salisbury, MD - A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Wicomico County. The Wicomico County Health Department confirmed the case on July 2, 2026 in the Caledonia Drive area of the Nithsdale neighborhood in Salisbury, Maryland.

Health officials are urging residents to stay alert. They're asking everyone to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, especially in and around the Nithsdale neighborhood.

Rabies is a viral disease that lives in the saliva of infected mammals. It spreads through bites and scratches, and it can also pass through licking if infected saliva touches an open wound, the eyes, mouth, or nose.

The disease is preventable, but it's also serious. Left untreated in humans or animals, rabies is fatal.

The Health Department shared several tips to help keep families and pets safe. Here's what they recommend:

• Keep pets confined
• Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals
• Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone
• Vaccinate pets - Maryland law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months or older to have a current rabies vaccination
• Avoid feeding or watering pets outside
• Secure outside garbage lids

Vaccinating pets is more than just a good idea, it's the law in Maryland. Making sure your dog, cat, or ferret is up to date on their rabies shot protects them and your whole family.

Anyone who experiences human or animal contact with a wild animal, such as a bite or scratch, should call the Wicomico County Health Department right away at (410) 546-4446.