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This page was reviewed or revised on Friday, August 14, 2009. Rabies is a virus that is carried in an animal's saliva.
Humans and other animals can become infected through a bite or scratch from an animal with
rabies, or if the rabies virus comes in contact with an open cut or the moist tissues of
the mouth, nose or eyes. Rabies is fatal if untreated.
Most of Canada's rabies is carried by wildlife. This makes control difficult and
eradication almost impossible. Foxes, skunks, bats and raccoons are the main carriers and
pose a continuing threat because they often live close to people. If they infect your farm
animals or pets, they may endanger you.
Tips for Preventing Rabies
- Keep your pets under control. Don't let them run free, especially at night.
- Make sure that your pet is up to date on it's rabies vaccination.
- Don't touch or play with animals you don't know.
- Don't touch animals that look sick even if you may want to help them.
- Don't touch dead animals.
- Stay away from wild animals.
If you've been bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and hot water
and contact your family doctor. Report all biting incidents to the Community Health Services.
For more information or enquiries about Rabies Control, please contact the
Team Leader - Rabies Control, Lori MacNeil at 519 383-8331 ext. 3574 or 1-800-667-1839.
Also by e-mail: rabies
team leader
The Ministry of Health has two toll-free 1-800 lines for the public to get direct and
immediate access to information on rabies. The number for the general public is
1-800-268-1154, and the number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-387-5559.
Fact Sheets have been developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to answer
all questions regarding the rabies disease and how to protect family members and pets and
who to contact for more information.
The fact sheets are available at the MNR's
Rabies in Ontario website:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Rabies/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_164618.html
General information on rabies is also available by
calling MNR at 1-888-574-6656.
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Rabies
Control