4 Raccoons were confirmed as infected with Rabies in the Hamilton area in early December. These are the first confirmed cases of Raccoon Rabies since 2006 in Ontario. Is your pet protected?
Rabies vaccination is mandatory in the province of Ontario for pets. This means that your dog or cat must always have up to date protection against Rabies. There is no cure for Rabies, so it is very important to vaccinate our pets to prevent exposure to people who come in contact with them. Primary vaccination is typically given to puppies and kittens after 3 months of age. A second vaccination is required 12 months later. Boosters are given at one to three year intervals depending on the type of vaccine used.
Statistics are collected each year by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to identify what species of animal and where cases of Rabies have been reported in the province. In 2014 all 18 confirmed Rabies cases were in Bats, there were no cases in terrestrial animals. These are confirmed occurrences of Rabies, there may be wildlife who die without being tested.
Fortunately these numbers are considered low but there is still a risk since raccoons live right in our neighbourhoods. Other species at higher risk of carrying Rabies are skunks and foxes - these along with raccoons are considered reservoir species. While squirrel, mice, rates, chipmunks, rabbits, coyotes and possums can be infected they are of significantly less concern.
The province is distributing baits containing Oral rabies vaccine intended for raccoons, skunks and foxes.
For more information and to see what the baits look like please refer to
https://www.ontario.ca/page/rabies
or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
https://news.ontario.ca/mnr/en/2015/12/rabies-vaccine-bait-drop-protects-public-health-in-hamilton.html
Please contact our office if you would like more information or to find out your pet's current Rabies vaccine status.