June 22, 2020: Public Health is advising the community that efforts to curb the spread of rabies in wild animals will continue this summer. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is dropping rabies vaccine bait in targeted areas of the province including Wellington and Dufferin Counties from July to October this year.
MNRF baiting efforts aim to reduce rabies in the wildlife population and the serious risk the virus poses to people and their pets. Baiting will occur by hand in urban green spaces. In forested and agricultural areas, the bait will be dropped by helicopter or yellow twin otter aircraft. When a raccoon, fox, or skunk bites into the bait and swallows the vaccine, it should develop immunity to rabies in about two weeks.
Baits should not be moved unless they are near where children play. If you must move a bait packet, place a plastic bag over your hand to keep your scent off the bait and move it to an area where wildlife might find it. The vaccine is not harmful to people or pets, but if one is ingested you should contact your doctor or veterinarian as a precaution.
Locally, several animals have tested positive for rabies since 2017.
“Wild animals that carry rabies can inhabit both rural and urban areas, so it is important to be aware of the risk no matter where you live or play,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “It is important to stay away from unfamiliar or wild animals. If you are in contact with such an animal, call your physician or go to the emergency room right away.”
Rabies is a virus that spreads through the saliva of infected mammals, such as through a bite that breaks the skin, or if the infected animal’s saliva gets into an open wound or mucous membrane. Once symptoms begin, rabies is fatal.
If you see animal behaving strangely or aggressively, stay away and call your local animal control agency or the police. To avoid putting the whole family at risk, ensure all cats and dogs are vaccinated for rabies.
For more information about rabies visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca/rabies.
Media Contact:
Danny Williamson, Communications Specialist
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376
danny.williamson@wdgpublichealth.ca
The rabies vaccine bait comes in an army-green colour blister pack. It is not harmful to people or pets; however, if you find a bait packet don’t open it. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
