Thursday, January 07, 2016
Perth District Health Unit
Cow Tests Positive for Rabies in Perth County
A cow located in Ellice Ward has tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed rabid animal in Perth County since 2012.
The rabid cow was infected with the arctic fox strain of rabies and is unrelated to the situation occurring in the Hamilton area, where 10 raccoons recently tested positive for the raccoon strain of the virus for the first time since September 2005.
“Rabies is still present in Perth County,” says Jennifer Grinstead, Public Health Inspector. “It’s very important to vaccinate your pets against rabies to protect you, your family, and your community.” In Ontario, it is the law that all cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies can be carried in the saliva of infected animals, such as dogs, cats, foxes, skunks, raccoons and bats. It can spread to wild animals, pets, livestock and humans through a bite, scratch, cut or contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose and eyes. Rabies is almost always fatal.
To keep your pets and family rabies-free:
- Make sure your pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations
- Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies
- Do not let your pets run free in the neighbourhood
- Keep your pets indoors at night
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don’t know or animals that are acting strangely
- Always ask permission from a pet owner before trying to pet an animal
- If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a skunk, fox or raccoon, call the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs at 1-877-424-1300
- If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soapy water, seek medical advice immediately, and then contact the Perth District Health Unit’s Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267
- If you see suspected rabid wildlife with no known human or animal contact, call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656.
For more information:
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill
Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca
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