News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                   December 21, 2007

Positive Rabid Skunk

Test results received December 21, 2007, confirm rabies in a skunk from the Durham area. This brings the total to six confirmed rabid animal cases in Grey Bruce so far in 2007: one un-immunized dog, three skunks, one bat and one calf. There is no human involvement in this latest case.

Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act 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.

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.

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

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For more information:
Karen Sweiger
Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 230