The animals most often found with rabies in Canada include bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Rabies can occur in any mammal. Larger rodents, such as groundhogs, woodchucks, and beavers, can be infected with rabies, but this is uncommon in Canada. If a person is bitten, scratched or comes into contact with saliva from one of these animals, public health will assess the situation to determine the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Small animals such as squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats, mice, rabbits and hares rarely have rabies.
Raccoons, Skunks, and Foxes
Animals that are more likely to have rabies include skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats. Rabies in raccoons, foxes and other wild animals is controlled by wildlife vaccination programs that distribute bait containing the rabies vaccine. Pets can receive rabies vaccinations during routine veterinary visits.
A rabid animal could become unusually aggressive and attack a person for no reason. It may also become unusually quiet or behave differently than normal.
Do not touch or handle wild or stray animals.
If you are bitten, scratched or exposed to saliva from a wild or stray animal, clean the wound thoroughly, seek medical attention and contact your public health unit. For more information on rabies positive animals detected in Ontario, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website.
Bats and Rabies
It is possible to be exposed to the rabies virus from the saliva of a bat. Bat teeth are very small and sharp and may result in bites or scratches that may not be visible. If you have had physical contact with a bat, seek medical attention promptly and report the exposure to the health unit for assessment.
How do I avoid rabies from bats?
- Avoid direct contact with bats.
- Never handle a bat, whether it appears sick or healthy.
- Teach children to stay away from bats and to tell an adult immediately if they have touched a bat or had contact with one.
- Keep livestock and your pets' rabies vaccinations up to date, as pets can also be exposed to rabid bats.
- Take precautions when entering areas where bats may be present, such as attics, caves and abandoned buildings.
What if there is a bat in my home or cottage?
If there has been no direct contact with the bat:
- Do not try to capture the bat.
- Do not disturb the bat. Open a window or exterior door and allow the bat to leave on its own.
- Once the bat has left, bat-proof your home or cottage to prevent future entry.
- Seek advice from a pest control professional or wildlife conservation authority if you need assistance.
What if I have been bitten or scratched by a bat?
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Report the exposure to the health unit. A public health inspector will contact you to assess your exposure risk.
- Avoid further contact with the bat, and if it can be done safely, keep it contained in case it needs to be tested for rabies.
What if my pet has been bitten or scratched by a bat?
Contact your veterinarian. Your pet may need to be assessed and vaccinated against rabies.
Additional Resource
