28 Sep 2009
We rarely hear about people dying of rabies in Canada, but that doesn’t mean that we no longer consider rabies as a health risk. Rabies can still be found in many animals and can be spread in the saliva of a rabid animal during a bite or scratch incident. However, good preventative measures have been effective and need to be continued.
Last year the health unit investigated more than 1,000 animal bite incidents and imposed a 10-day quarantine period on a number of “suspect” cats and dogs, in order to exclude the possibility of rabies in those particular animals. In addition, more than 100 people received post-exposure rabies immunization. Also, bats remain a significant carrier of rabies in Simcoe Muskoka.
Rabies is entirely preventable. You can reduce your risk of rabies by:
· avoiding contact with and feeding of unfamiliar domestic animals and all wild animals, especially when the animal is obviously ill, acting strangely or is found dead; · not allowing pets to run loose outdoors; · keeping your pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date, either through your veterinarian or from a low-cost rabies clinic offered this fall; · reporting any domestic dog or cat, and livestock encounters with suspicious wildlife or bats to the Animal Health Branch of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 705-739-0008.
In the unfortunate event that you or a family member is bitten by any animal, immediately wash the wound well with soap and water, and then contact your doctor. The health unit should be notified so that the incident can be investigated and assessed for rabies risk. Based on that assessment, post-exposure rabies immunization may be recommended.
And to emphasize a point raised above on preventative measures, a very effective way to protect you and your family is to vaccinate your pets against rabies. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for cats and dogs in Ontario, and failure to do so can result in a fine to owners. Every year the health unit works with local veterinarians to offer low-cost rabies clinics. Those local clinics are again being offered this fall. Last year more than three thousand cats and dogs were vaccinated at 23 local clinics.
For more information about rabies, or to find out more about a low-cost clinic near you, call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit our website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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Dr. Pfaff is an associate medical officer of health with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
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