A backyard fight between a Swanton dog and a raccoon has turned into Garrett County’s second laboratory-confirmed animal rabies case of 2026, health officials say. The dog fought and killed the raccoon on June 21. The animal was sent for testing the next day, and the Maryland rabies laboratory reported a positive result on June 24. The dog, whose rabies vaccination had lapsed, received a booster shot and is now under a 45-day observation period with its owner. County officials say the incident is a blunt reminder to keep pet vaccinations up to date and to avoid handling animals right after any wildlife encounter.
According to the Garrett County Health Department, Environmental Health Services confirmed that the raccoon was submitted for testing on June 22 and that the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory returned a positive result on June 24. The release notes that the dog received a rabies booster in line with the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control and is being monitored for 45 days under the owner’s care. County staff are reminding residents that if a pet tangles with a wild or feral animal, owners should avoid handling the pet for at least two hours, use protective gloves if handling is necessary, and wash hands with soap and water immediately afterward.
What Pet Owners Should Know
The 45-day observation and revaccination follow national guidance for managing exposed companion animals. Under that approach, vaccinated animals that are overdue on their shots are often revaccinated and observed instead of being euthanized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for veterinarians recommends confining and closely watching dogs, cats and ferrets that may have been exposed to rabies, and notes that animals that bite people must be observed for 10 days. Because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, health officials stress quick and thorough wound washing along with immediate medical evaluation after any bite or suspected exposure.
Local Context and Vaccination Clinics
This case is the county’s second lab-confirmed rabies-positive animal so far this year. Garrett County reported multiple confirmed rabid animals in 2025 and held a series of low-cost rabies clinics in May to help owners keep vaccinations current. As reported by WV News, that clinic schedule included stops in Grantsville, Friendsville, Swanton and a clinic at the health department in Oakland. Local officials continue to emphasize that vaccination is the best protection for both pets and the broader community.
Anyone bitten by a wild or feral animal that cannot be captured for testing, or anyone exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, should seek medical care right away and contact Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760 for guidance. The Maryland Department of Health operates the state’s rabies laboratory and coordinates testing with local health departments, and the lab’s contact information is listed on the department website for providers and local officials. Pet owners who are unsure about an animal’s vaccination status are urged to consult their veterinarian about potential boosters and to follow local health department instructions for quarantine or observation.
State Rules and Reporting
Per the Garrett County Health Department, Maryland law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age, although vaccines can be given as early as three months. Local and state rules, informed by the NASPHV compendium and state regulations, guide quarantine, revaccination and disposition decisions for animals that may have been exposed. For questions about reporting a wildlife encounter or to find out about upcoming rabies clinics, residents can contact Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.
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