HEALTH - Rabies Numbers Continue to Grow in Ontario

Six new cases of rabies were reported last week by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Ontario, plus the rabid cat confirmed by Hamilton public health.

Five cases were from the Hamilton area - three raccoons, one skunk and one red fox - and one raccoon from Haldimand-Norfolk County.

Strain typing has not been performed on the red fox but it is assumed to be raccoon strain due to its location.

The total number of animals infected with raccoon strain rabies since December 2015 is now 180, along with two cases of fox strain rabies.

According to the Ministry, the raccoon strain has been found in the following animals:

• 125 raccoons
• 53 skunks
• 1 cat
• 1 red fox
  
  

You can see the spread of the disease by visiting the Ontario government website, which displays a series of graphics beginning December 15th that show where rabies cases have been found along with the vaccine baiting areas.