Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Wicomico County

Wicomico County, MD - On March 2, 2026, the Wicomico County Health Department confirmed that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the area of Parsonsburg Road, near Melson Road, in Delmar, Maryland.

The department is advising all residents to remain vigilant and avoid contact with wild or stray animals.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that exists in the saliva of mammals. It is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human through biting, scratching, or licking when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts, wounds, or mucous membranes such as the mouth, eyes, and nose. If left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal.

The Wicomico County Health Department recommends the following precautions to protect families and pets:

• Keep pets confined and avoid allowing them to roam freely.
• Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals.
• Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone.
• Vaccinate pets in accordance with Maryland law, which requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccination.
• Avoid feeding or watering pets outside.
• Secure outside garbage lids to prevent attracting wildlife.

Residents who have experienced human or animal contact, such as bites or scratches, should contact the Wicomico County Health Department at (410) 546-4446.