04/06/2026
A cat found in the Dover Road area of Reisterstown tested positive for rabies on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Baltimore County Animal Services (BCAS) has identified one potential human exposure. Anyone who may have had contact with this animal, described as a domestic shorthair Tortoiseshell cat, is urged to seek immediate medical attention from their healthcare provider or a hospital emergency room.
In addition to seeking immediate medical addition, residents should contact the Baltimore County Department of Health if you or your pet came into direct contact with the cat and sustained bites, scratches and/or licks. The number to call during normal business hours is 410-887-5963. You should call 410-832-7182 outside of normal business hours (after 4:30 pm Monday - Friday and on weekends).
Residents are reminded of the potential dangers of feeding or handling stray or unknown animals and should adhere to the following rabies prevention tips:
• Consider the risk of rabies and other diseases before taking in or interacting with any animal, especially if the home contains children, persons with certain illnesses, elderly, or other pets.
• Since rabies remains uncontrolled in the wild, avoid contact with wildlife as well as stray or feral animals, especially if they appear to be sick. There is no risk-free contact with these animals with regard to physical injury, rabies and other diseases.
• Do not provide food, water or shelter to wildlife or strays. If you feed your pets outdoors, do not leave food or water bowls out for extended periods, especially overnight.
• Persons considering adopting stray or feral cats should speak with a veterinarian for guidance. Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets and do not allow your pets to roam freely.
Our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) Program requires caregivers to maintain colonies where all cats are sterilized, vaccinated against Rabies and FVRCP, ear-tipped and microchipped. Having community cats up-to-date on rabies vaccines helps to further protect public health. We also offer FREE rabies vaccine boosters for TNR’d cats. More about our TNR program: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/animal-services/TNR
BCAS is hosting low-cost rabies vaccination clinics this spring. Learn more: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/animal-services/rabies-clinics
