The Huron County Health Unit is reminding residents to protect their pets after four confirmed cases of raccoon rabies in Hamilton.
It's the first time raccoon rabies has surfaced in the province since 2005.
Rabies can be spread by a bite or scratch of an infected animal. It attacks the brain and spinal cord, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
A bat tested positive for rabies in Huron in 2014.
You should avoid contact with unfamiliar domestic animals and all wild animals.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water, and call your doctor. The health unit must be called, to investigate and assess the risk for rabies.
Rabies is entirely preventable. You can reduce your risk of rabies by: • Avoiding contact with unfamiliar domestic animals and all wild animals, especially when the animal is ill, acting strangely or is found dead. • Avoiding feeding unfamiliar domestic animals and all wild animals. • Not allowing pets to run loose outdoors. • Keeping your pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date.
