A fight on 67th Avenue

On Aug. 27, a brown-and-white domestic shorthair cat fought a raccoon near the 6200 block of 67th Avenue in Riverdale. County health officials have now warned residents of possible rabies exposure.

The cat turned strange, then died

After the fight the cat started growling and headbutting aggressively. It was found dead on Sept. 2, and its rabies test came back inconclusive.

The raccoon is still out there

Health officials don't know where the raccoon went, or whether it is alive or dead. That unknown is why the county is treating this as a possible exposure at all.

“We are taking a precautionary approach to help protect the health and safety of residents and their pets.”

What residents should do

Anyone whose pet or family may have touched either animal should call the health department at 301-583-3751 and seek immediate medical attention. No encounters had been reported as of Monday afternoon.

Rabies is fatal but preventable

The virus usually spreads through bites or scratches and can kill if untreated. Vaccines prevent it, and about 100,000 Americans get shots each year after a possible exposure.

Not an outbreak, officials say

Maryland has seen a rabid kitten in Baltimore County and three beaver attacks in state parks this summer, but the county reports no surge and calls this an isolated case.

“People should stay away from wild animals. I don't care how cute they are.”