Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Perth District Health Unit
Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies in Perth County
A skunk located in Ellice Ward has tested positive for rabies. This is the second animal to test positive for rabies in Perth County over the past six months. A cow, also found in Ellice Ward, tested positive for rabies in December 2015.
"Both of these animals were infected with the Arctic fox strain of rabies," explains Jennifer Grinstead, Public Health Inspector. These cases of rabies are unrelated to the situation occurring in the Hamilton area, where over 75 cases of raccoon rabies have been found.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) dropped baits in a small area around the cases on April 1, 2016. The khaki-coloured bait is filled with a rabies vaccine that is absorbed through the lining of the animal's mouth when eaten. If these baits are found they should not be touched, but left for raccoons, skunks and foxes to eat.
Rabies is almost always fatal. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and can be carried in the saliva of infected mammals, such as dogs, cats, foxes, skunks, raccoons and bats. It can be spread to humans through a bite, scratch, cut or contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose and eyes.
To protect your family and your pets from rabies:
- Keep pets up-to-date with the rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it's the law that all cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don't know or animals that are acting strangely
- Talk to you veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies
- Stay away from any wildlife, dog or cat that you don't know or any animal that is acting strangely. A strange acting animal could be a sign that it is sick or injured
- Keep pets away from wildlife. Don't let your pets run free in the neighbourhood and keep them indoors at night
- Don't feed, transport or relocate wildlife.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soapy water, seek medical advise immediately, and then contact the Perth District Health Unit at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.
If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a bat, skunk, fox or raccoon, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Veterinarians seeking assistance with risk assessments or post-exposure management can call the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at 1-877-424-1300.
If an animal is acting strange or sick, and neither human nor pet/livestock have been exposed, contact your municipal animal control department or OSPCA. For non-emergencies and information about rabies in wildlife, call the MNRF 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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