News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     August 12, 2009

Rabid Skunk in Georgian Bluffs

Test results received August 12, 2009, confirm rabies in a skunk from the Hepworth area. This is the fourth rabid skunk report for Grey Bruce in 2009 along with one positive fox report.

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.

If bitten by an animal, immediately wash and flush the wound with soap and water. It is the most effective procedure in the prevention of rabies. Seek medical attention. A tetanus shot and antibacterial drugs may be given, as required. 

What happens to the animal after the biting incident? If it is a domestic dog or cat, it is confined by Public Health for ten days to rule out rabies. The animal is to be kept alive, to be cared for by the owner and observed for ten days. If the animal shows no signs of rabies after the tenth day, then the animal is released from confinement.

If it is a wild animal (fox, skunk, raccoon, bat) that bit a person, then the animal’s brain is sent for rabies testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. If the animal dies of rabies, or tests positive for rabies, or cannot be located, then the person is started on a series of rabies vaccinations immediately. Additional doses are required on days 3, 7, 14 and 28. 

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 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.

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:

Karen Sweiger

Rabies Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1230