News Release                          

                                                                                                                         April 14, 2009

Public Assistance Request

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is seeking assistance from the public in finding the owners of a dog involved in a biting incident that occurred approximately 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2009. The large, black dog, possibly a Lab/Shepherd mix, was being walked north on the 300 block of 7th Avenue East, Owen Sound, when the incident occurred. The victim is an older gentleman who was walking alone. He was wearing a light grey, three-quarter length jacket, a black cap and he has a beard.

They Grey Bruce Health unit needs to confirm that the dog is not infectious with rabies. By verifying the health of the dog, the victim can avoid receiving the post-exposure rabies treatment. Observing that the dog is still alive can eliminate the possibility that the victim was exposed to the rabies virus. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420.

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 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 and without the timely administration of treatment will cause death in humans. There is no known treatment for rabies once the symptoms appear.

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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