Attention News Editor:

News Release                   For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                July 20, 2006

Rabid Bat in Sauble Beach

A dead bat found in the Sauble Beach area on July 15, 2006 tested positive for the rabies virus.

The rabies virus exists in almost all parts of the world. Seven rabid animals were identified (4 skunks, 1 fox, 2 bovine) in Grey Bruce in 2005. Initiatives by Public Health, Ministry of Natural Resources and local veterinarians have contributed to a 95% reduction in the incidence of rabies in Grey Bruce since 1992.

Untreated rabies is a fatal in humans. Rabies spreads through the bite of an infected animal if the saliva enters a cut or scratch or is exposed to the moist tissue of the mouth, nose or eyes.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit encourages you to protect your family and pets from rabies:

• Have your pets vaccinated according to instructions from your veterinarian.

• Do not feed wild animals. You may be putting your family in danger.

• Warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals.

• Discourage wild animals from taking up residence in your home or on your property by covering potential entrances such as uncapped chimneys, loose shingles and openings in attics, roofs and eaves.

• Do not trap wild animals that are causing damage to your property. Instead, contact a professional animal control officer to remove nuisance animals.

• Do not trap and transport wild animals to a new location. It is illegal and you could be spreading diseases.

• Do not keep wildlife as pets. It is against the law.

• Report any animals behaving strangely to your local animal control office or Public Health.

• Do not touch dead or sick animals. Bury or dispose of them carefully and make sure pets cannot get at the carcasses.

• If you, or any member of your family, have been in contact with a rabid animal, contact Public Health, your doctor or go to your local emergency room immediately.

• Have all dead, sick or easily captured bats that have come in contact with a human or pet, tested for rabies. Do not touch the bat. Contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency for testing.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Source:  Ministry of Natural Resources

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For more information:

Lou D’Alessandro

Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 ext 223