Frederick County Health Department Vaccinates Over 100 Animals Against Rabies

The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) Environmental Health Office vaccinated over 100 dogs, cats, and ferrets at its rabies clinic on May 3, at Old National Pike Park in Mount Airy.

Rabies has a nearly 100 percent mortality rate once an animal or person starts having symptoms. However, deaths from rabies can be prevented in humans by avoiding unvaccinated animals or, if exposed, by getting treatment early. In pets, rabies can be prevented by getting pets vaccinated and by preventing their exposure to unknown or unvaccinated animals. Since it is not always possible to limit your pet’s interactions with unvaccinated wild or stray animals, it is crucial to get pets vaccinated against this deadly disease.

According to FCHD Environmental Health Services Director Barry Glotfelty, “The most effective way to prevent rabies in your pets and to protect people is to get your pets vaccinated. We thank everyone who brought their pet to our clinic, and we look forward to our June clinic in Thurmont.”

In 2024, there were a total of 34 confirmed rabid animals in Frederick County, including raccoons, skunks, cats, foxes, groundhogs, and a cow. So far in 2025, there have been five lab confirmed rabid animals. Rabies information, including maps from 2024, can be viewed at health.frederickcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8918/Rabid-Animal-Report-for-2023-41724. For rabies numbers around the state of Maryland, visit the Maryland Department of Health website at health.maryland.gov/.

FCHD will be holding a second rabies vaccination clinic on June 29, from 2:00-4:30 p.m., at Thurmont Community Park, located at 19 Frederick Road in Thurmont—rain or shine. Each vaccination is $10.00 and payable by cash or check only (no debit or credit cards). All dogs, cats, and ferrets, 12 weeks old or older, are welcome.

For additional information about this vaccination clinic or for general rabies information, please contact 301-600-1717 or visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Rabies.