Peterborough Public Health Shares Rabies Prevention Tips on World Rabies Day
Written by Comms Team, September 28, 2022
Residents reminded to report all bite and scratch incidents
Today is World Rabies Day. Although rare in Canada, rabies is a fatal disease with tens of thousands of deaths reported worldwide each year. Rabies can be prevented by knowing the signs of rabies infections in animals, avoiding contact with wild and unknown domestic animals, seeking medical advice immediately after a scratch or bite incident, and through vaccinations.
In Ontario, it is more common for wild mammals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats to carry rabies. Animals affected by rabies will often act strangely or aggressively towards others, foam at the mouth or be afraid of water. Humans and pets can get infected when contaminated saliva enters the body through bites or scratches, or in some cases, direct contact with moist parts of the body like the eyes, nose and mouth.
In 2021, Peterborough Public Health investigated 415 animal exposures. All residents are urged to report animal bites, scratches or other exposures to ensure timely treatment and investigation of the incident. Once symptoms develop, rabies is fatal.
“Residents should use caution to protect themselves from animal bites, scratches, and other exposures,” advises Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “Animals are more likely to bite or scratch when they are startled or feel threatened. To prevent a bite or scratch, respect the personal space of all animals, especially if you don’t know the animal or if it is acting strangely. Wildlife and stray animals should be avoided and you should always ask permission from pet owners before playing with or petting their animals.”
According to Ontario’s Rabies Immunization regulation, all dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be vaccinated against rabies at three months old, and maintain their vaccination with booster shots. However, vaccinated animals can still become infected with and transmit rabies. It is important to always be mindful of your pet’s behaviour and seek the help of a veterinarian if you believe your pet is acting strangely or is exhibiting signs of rabies.
Ways to protect your family and your pets from rabies:
- Keep pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccination.
- Teach children to stay away from wildlife, pets they don’t know, or animals that are acting strangely.
- Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies.
- Keep pets away from wildlife, do not let them run free unsupervised and keep them indoors at night.
- Do not feed, transport or relocate wildlife.
- If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a raccoon, skunk, fox or bat, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you believe you or a family member has had contact with an animal suspected to be rabid, or are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice, and contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000.
For more information please visit our Rabies Prevention page
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/ Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352