Calf at educational center tests positive for rabies

ACCOKEEK, Md. - A six-week-old calf at a farm that does educational programs for middle and elementary school kids has tested positive for rabies.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said that the calf is at the Hard Bargain Farm in Prince George's County.

Dr. Katherine Feldman, DHMH State Public Health Veterinarian, wants anyone who may have been exposed to the rabid calf to call them.

"It is critical to identify all people who may have had contact with this calf."

Feldman says if you think you were exposed to the calf since Dec. 21, 2009 to call them at 240-508-5774. The line will be staffed 24/7.

"Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is transmitted in the saliva of infected animals."

When someone is bitten or exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal, there is a series of vaccines to prevent the disease. It's a four-dose rabies vaccine over a 14-day period and a dose of rabies immunoglobulin given at the beginning of the series.

Rabies is usually found among wildlife such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, but it can be transmitted to domestic animals.

Almost 400 animals in Maryland were diagnosed with rabies last year.

To prevent your exposure to rabies:

• Have your dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, sheep, cattle, or other pets vaccinated against rabies.
• Keep your pet under control at all times, especially when you're traveling.
• Keep your distance from wildlife and don't feed them.
• Avoid sick animals or animals acting in an unusual manner.
• Don't leave pet food outside or garbage cans uncovered.
• Don't relocate wildlife.
• Keep bats out of your house. If one gets inside, don't touch it.

You can get more information on rabies, including rabies statistics, and prevention and control of the disease on the DHMH website.

(Copyright 2010 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)