News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         July 29, 2010

Positive Rabid Skunk

Test results received July 28, 2010, confirm rabies in a skunk found in Francis Lake, Municipality of Georgian Bluffs. No human involvement has been associated with this animal. This is the seventh rabid animal report in Grey Bruce for 2010; all are skunks.

While rabies cases are in decline across Ontario, it remains a concern in Grey Bruce. Last year there were 50 confirmed cases province-wide, the lowest number of rabies cases ever seen in Ontario. However, 10 cases, 20% of the provincial total, were from Grey Bruce (6 skunks, 2 fox, 1 bat and 1 cattle).

Rabies is a deadly disease of the central nervous system that affects humans and other mammals. The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and can 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 timely 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 you are 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. Have your dogs, cats (including barn cats) and riding horses immunized by your vet.

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:

Angela Newman

Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1252