News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                  September 9, 2008

Positive Rabid Bat

Test results received September 4, 2008, confirm rabies in a bat from the Point Clark area. This is the fourth rabid animal report in Grey Bruce for 2008.

Public Health is now following revised recommendations for rabies post-exposure treatment with respect to bat exposures in Ontario. Post-exposure rabies vaccine is not required unless a bat bite or scratch occurs. The risk of acquiring rabies as a result of non-contact bat exposures (e.g. waking up to a bat in the room) is extremely low.

Rabies is a deadly disease of the central nervous system that affects humans and other mammals. The virus is concentrated in the saliva of a rabid animal and can be spread through a bite, cut or scratch, or if the saliva comes in contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. Rabies is fatal to animals and without the timely administration of treatment will cause death in humans. There is no known treatment for rabies once the symptoms appear.

Protect yourself and your family. Do not feed or touch a wild or unknown animal. Warn children to stay away from wild or stray animals and animals that are acting strangely. Don't touch sick or injured animals. Seek immediate medical attention if in contact with an animal you think may be rabid. Report all animal bites to Public Health.

Protect your pets and livestock from contact with wildlife. Keep your pets under control; don't let them run free, especially at night. With the threat of raccoon rabies, do not attempt to raise orphan raccoons. Most important… have your dogs, cats (including barn cats) and riding horses immunized by your veterinarian.

It is the law all cats and dogs over three months and all riding horses in Grey Bruce must be vaccinated for rabies. Vaccinations protect pets from acquiring rabies and help protect you and your family if your pet is bitten by a rabid wild animal. Ensure that your pet’s immunization is up-to-date. Your veterinarian will inform you of the schedule of vaccinations for your pet. A conviction for not having an animal properly vaccinated carries a $105 fine per animal.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Rabies Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1230