Perth County has seen a fourth positive result for rabies this year.
A skunk located in Elma Ward late last month tested positive for rabies, which follows three positive rabies cases identified in cows.
All of the cases are identified as the fox strain and are not related to the raccoon cases in the Hamilton area.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry plan to drop baits in Perth County to help prevent further spread of the fox strain of rabies within the next few weeks.
The Khaki coloured bait is filled with vaccine absorbed through the animal's mouth while it eats.
Rabies is carried in the saliva of infected animals and can be spread to people through a bite, scratch, cut or contact with moist tissues of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
The disease that attacks the central nervous system is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
“No potential exposures to humans or other animals has been reported with this skunk” explains Dale Lyttle, senior public health inspector. “This is another reminder that rabies still exists in Perth County and residents need to be cautious when they encounter wild animals or any animal that appears sick."
To protect your family and your pets from rabies:
- Keep pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it’s the law that all cats and dogs over three months of age be vaccinated against rabies.
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don’t know or animals that are acting strangely.
- Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies.
- Stay away from any wildlife, dog or cat that you don’t know or any animal that is acting strangely. A strange acting animal could be a sign that it is sick or injured.
- Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let your pets run free in the neighbourhood and keep them indoors at night.
- Don’t feed, transport or relocate wildlife.
- If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soapy water, seek medical advice immediately, and then contact the Perth District Health Unit at 519-271-7600 extension 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 extension 267
