Bat Found On Severn Driveway Tests Positive For Rabies

SEVERN, MD — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is putting residents on alert after a bat found in Severn tested positive for rabies.

Officials said in a release that the bat was discovered Thursday on a driveway on Bordeaux Court. No other details regarding the incident were made available.

Individuals who came in contact with the bat, had a pet that did so, or whose pet has unexplained wounds are urged to contact the health department.

AACDH can be reached at (410) 222-7254 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at (443)481-3140 after business hours.

Rabies Explained + Treatment

Rabies is spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, including bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, cats and groundhogs. The disease also can spread if an infected animal's saliva comes into contact with a person's or another animal's eyes, nose, mouth or an open cut.

The department said preventive treatment may be needed for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the infected bat. Because rabies is fatal, preventive treatment should begin as soon as possible if it is needed.

Health officials also urged residents to:

• Keep pets' rabies vaccinations current
• Avoid allowing pets to roam freely
• Secure outdoor garbage in covered containers
• Avoid leaving pet food outside
• Stay away from wildlife when outdoors, such as feral cats, raccoons, bats and foxes

Anyone bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention.

Reporting Sick Animals

Residents can report sick or injured animals with no human or pet contact to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at (877) 463-6497 during business hours or to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at (410) 260-8888 after hours.

Anyone whose pet or family member had physical contact with a sick or injured animal should contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Animal Services at (410) 222-8900 during business hours. After hours, residents should call 911 and ask for the on-call officer.

Additional information about rabies is available online.