Officials are considering expanding a 5-year-old rabies vaccination program that's shielding Anne Arundel County from an apparent statewide rabies increase.

The number of Maryland cases increased by more than 20 percent last year, from 413 in 2000 to 505, and although numbers are still being compiled for this year, another increase is likely, said Dr. Tracy DuVernoy, public health veterinarian for the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

No human cases have been reported this year. The state had six last year.

The state is due for an active rabies year, as the disease last peaked in 1996, when 638 animals tested positive. It peaks about every five years, Ms. DuVernoy said.

But the county's rabies vaccination plan has cut rabies cases on Gibson Island and the Annapolis and Broadneck peninsulas significantly.

Through the program, county officials distribute oral rabies vaccines -- contained in bait -- by hand or helicopter.

Those areas, the only ones covered by the program, were previously rabies hot spots, said Bob Weber of the county Department of Health.

In 1996 the county had 90 confirmed cases of rabid animals, 12 of those from the Annapolis Peninsula and seven from the Broadneck Peninsula.

Last year the county had just 36 cases -- none from the Annapolis Peninsula and three from Broadneck.

The program could be expanded if officials can find the resources to do so, Mr. Weber said. No particular area has been discussed, he said.

"We're going to have to look at the numbers for the rest of the county and then determine where to target next," he said.

Humans usually contract the disease after being bitten by a rabid animal. In humans, the disease causes fever, headaches, confusion, spasms of the throat muscles, fear of water and seizures. It's almost always fatal, but it can be prevented by shots given soon after exposure.

State officials this year have already confirmed rabies in two dogs -- which is relatively rare -- and in horses and one cow.

The state tests about 5,000 animals, mostly raccoons, each year for rabies. Bats, cats, foxes, dogs and cattle are also tested frequently.

The rabies test requires a brain sample, so all animals to be tested must be killed.

Officials advise residents to stay away from any animal that exhibits abnormal behavior, which could be a sign of rabies.

Animals that seem unafraid of humans, or are aggressive, or are seen walking around in broad daylight are exhibiting abnormal behavior and should be avoided, Ms. DuVernoy said.

"Anything like that could be an indication that the animal does have rabies," she said.

 

- No Jumps-

Published July 15, 2002, The Capital, Annapolis, Md.
Copyright © 2002 The Capital, Annapolis, Md.