Racoon rabies has made its return to Ontario. Lambton Public Health says although there are no cases locally, ten racoons have tested positive for the virus in the Hamilton, Ontario area, and they want to make sure local pets are protected. Supervisor of Health Protection Lori Lucas says it's the first racoons rabies case in the province since 2005. She says there are things for pet owners to keep in mind. "Try not to let your pets roam free or unsupervised. Do not approach or attempt to pet or capture wild animals, prevent pets from coming into contact with wild animals. Report all wildlife, so any raccoons, skunks, foxes, etc., exhibiting abnormal behaviour to either local animal control services or directly to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry." Lucas says its important to keep pets rabies vaccines up to date, and to report any animal bites to Lambton Public Health. The last case of rabies in Lambton County was in 2013 when three bats tested positive. There has never been a local case of racoon rabies.
