HEALTH - First Rabies Case in Waterloo Region of Ontario

Despite a decrease in rabies cases reported in on Ontario this year, the rabies outbreak has made its way to Waterloo Region.

There were 288 cases of rabies confirmed in the province in 2016, with the majority reported in and around the Hamilton area.

Last week Waterloo Public Health announced the first case discovered in that region since the outbreak began at the end of 2015.

The provincial government has already launched their rabies control operations for this year which included helicopter baiting in Huron and Perth Counties in April.

Going forward, plans include helicopter, twin otter and hand baiting from July through September.

Baits are dropped for foxes, raccoons and skunks to eat in areas where rabies has been detected in wildlife in the current or previous year.

The bait is a small packet filled with the rabies vaccine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Animals are immunized against rabies about 2 weeks after they either chew or swallow the rabies vaccine bait.

To protect your family and your pets from rabies:

• Keep pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it’s the law that all cats and dogs over three months of age be vaccinated against rabies
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don’t know or animals that are acting strangely. A strange acting animal could be a sign that it is sick
• Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies
• Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let your pets run free in the neighborhood and keep them indoors at night
• Don’t feed, transport or relocate wildlife.

To help pet owners Bridletown Warden Animal Hospital has been hosting low cost rabies/microchip clinics which will continue into June.

Visit Urban Animal Corporation’s website for complete clinic details, dates, locations and contact information.