News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     January 24, 2008

Rabies Investigation

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is investigating exposure to a litter of rabid puppies. Five health units are involved in this investigation in an effort to ensure anyone exposed receives follow-up medical care. Follow-up may require rabies vaccination to individuals and quarantine of any animals exposed to the virus. 

The investigation involves exposure to three puppies originating from a litter in Perth County, transported and housed in Bruce County, and subsequently sold January 13, 2008 at the Dr. Fleas flea market, Albion Road and Highway 27, Toronto. Six individuals exposed in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, Bruce County, have been contacted by Public Health and have been advised to follow-up with medical treatment. Toronto, Peel, and York Health Units are seeking potential contacts at the flea market. Perth District Health Unit is investigating the source of the litter.

Public Health reminds people to purchase animals from a reliable breeder/vendor and be sure of the animal’s immunization status. When purchasing puppies, find out the immunization status of the bitch. 

The Grey Bruce Health Unit investigated six rabid animal cases in 2007.

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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Attachments: Rabies Fact Sheet

For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Manager Rabies Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 230