News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         May 9, 2007

Rabies in Grey Bruce

Several Grey Bruce residents were potentially exposed to rabies this past week after being involved with wild raccoons. Public Health is reminding residents not to keep wildlife as pets; it is against the law. Wild animals can be dangerous. They may carry disease such as rabies, can bite, scratch or attack and can damage property.

Ontario has a large raccoon population, especially in urban areas. It’s estimated that in urban areas there are approximately 8 to 18 raccoons per square kilometer. In rural areas, raccoon density may average 4 to 12 per square kilometer. The likelihood that people, pets and livestock may encounter raccoons makes it important to understand rabies and how to protect yourself, family and pets against the disease.

The rabies virus is concentrated in the saliva, mucous membranes and central nervous tissue of an infected animal. Humans and other mammals can become infected through a cut or scratch from an animal with rabies or if the rabies virus is exposed to the moist tissues of the mouth, nose, or eyes. Left untreated rabies can result in death.

In 2006, there were 15 cases of rabid animals in Grey Bruce. Twenty-nine people received post-exposure rabies vaccine. The cost is approximately $1000 per person for the publicly funded rabies vaccine.

Protect Your Family and Your Pets Against Rabies:

• Ensure your pets have up-to-date vaccinations from your veterinarian. Pets may be immunized after 3 months of age. It is the law all dogs, cats and riding horses must be immunized.
• Warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals.
• Do not feed wild animals. 
• Do not keep wildlife as pets. It is against the law.
• Do not touch dead or sick animals. Bury or dispose of them carefully.
• Do not try to nurse sick animals to health.

For more information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 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. 230