Rabies is a viral disease that almost always results in death. The rabies virus is usually transmitted in the saliva of an infected animal, through a bite or scratch wound. The animals in Canada most often proven rabid are wild terrestrial carnivores (e.g. raccoons, skunks, and foxes), bats, cattle and stray dogs and cats. Keeping your pet(s) vaccinated is the best means of creating a protective barrier between wildlife and humans.
All dogs, cats and ferrets over three months of age in Ontario must be immunized against rabies and re-immunized in accordance with the certificate of immunization issued. All horses, cattle and sheep intended to come into direct contact with members of the public must be immunized against rabies. Individuals seeking rabies vaccination for their animals should contact their veterinarian.
If you have been exposed to a rabid, or suspected rabid, animal:
- Immediately and thoroughly clean and flush (for 15 minutes) the wound with soap and water. This step is probably the most effective procedure in the prevention of rabies.
- Contact your primary health care provider, as soon as possible, who may recommend post exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- Collect the animal owner’s information (name, address and phone number) if possible.
- PEP may be delayed or discontinued if either the animal is available for observation (i.e. 10-day isolation period) or post-mortem tests indicate the animal is rabies free.
- Always report an animal bite or scratching incident to your local public health unit.
Bats and rabies
- You can’t tell if a bat has rabies just by its appearance.
- Rabies can only be confirmed through laboratory testing.
- There are certain behaviors that may suggest a bat is rabid. Bats with rabies often struggle to fly or may not fly properly, though they rarely show aggression. Any bat that is active during the day, behaving oddly, crawling on the ground, or found in unusual places (like inside your home or on the lawn) could potentially have rabies. These bats are often easy to approach, but it is always safest not to handle them.
- If you find a bat in your home, it’s important to handle the situation carefully to avoid potential health risks, including rabies. Never attempt to catch the bat yourself. You can try to confine the bat in one room away from children and pets and open a window or door to let the bat out safely. Always wear PPE such as thick gloves if you must handle the bat in any way.
- If you awaken to find a bat (dead or alive) in your room or in the room of an unattended child or an incapacitated person, seek medical advice and call public health. If you have come in direct contact with the bat and the bat is dead, the bat can be tested for rabies.
Resources
- Animal Biting/Scratching Incident Online Reporting Form
- Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians Rabies Public Portal
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry: Rabies in Ontario
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry: Rabies Cases
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Rabies
- Rabies Poster – HPEPH
