Rabid beavers force Maryland state park to close water activities after two attacks

In less than two weeks, two separate rabies cases involving beavers occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, Maryland. The first attack on July 26 left a 13-year-old boy with injuries to his hands and chest; he was airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital for care. Days later, a 19-year-old man fishing from the shore was bitten and later sought treatment at Meritus Medical Center, receiving a rabies prophylaxis and tetanus shot.

Authorities captured and euthanized both beavers, which tested positive for rabies, a disease rarely seen in the species. Frederick County Division of Animal Control director David Luckenbaugh called the incidents a human health emergency, prompting the closure of all water-based recreation at the park. Infectious diseases specialist Edward Rensimer noted that timely treatment is nearly 100 % effective. The park remains closed to swimming, fishing and boating while officials search for additional infected wildlife.