Over decades Ontario has made great strides in preventing rabies from spreading. The number of cases in Ontario each year is now lower than many areas in North America.
Over decades Ontario has made great strides in preventing rabies from spreading. The number of cases in Ontario each year is now lower than many areas in North America.
It doesn’t mean we can all stop thinking about it, though. Health unit staff investigated 1,434 animal exposure incidents in 2018. Many of the investigations resulted in rabies vaccine for people as a precaution.
One of the main reasons the number of cases is so low is that pet owners have been diligent in ensuring their pets are immunized against rabies. In Ontario, rabies vaccination is required by law for all pets.
Local veterinarians are offering low-cost rabies clinics across Simcoe and Muskoka this month.
You can find the dates and locations most convenient for you at www.smdhu.org/rabiesclinics.
For more information about animal exposures and rabies, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or
1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Facebook page.
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