News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                  December 11, 2009

Rabid Skunk in the Vicinity of Durham

Test results received December 10, 2009, confirm rabies in a skunk found in the vicinity of Durham (Municipality of West Grey). This is the eighth rabid animal reported for Grey Bruce in 2009. Previously, there were four other rabid skunks, one bat and two positive foxes. 

There has not been any reported human involvement associated with this rabid skunk.

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 a rabid wild animal bites your pet. Ensure that your pet’s immunization is up-to-date.

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 is exposed to 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.

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:

Lou D’Alessandro

Rabies Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1223