Huron Perth Public Health released a statement Wednesday that a horse located in Blanshard Ward, or Perth South, has tested positive for rabies. This is the third animal in 2021 to test positive in the area, the first two were in bats.
Dale Lyttle, Senior Public Health Inspector, said “It is assumed the infected horse was in contact with a rabid wild animal, such as a skunk or fox,” he added that the Health Unit is working with farm owners on the investigation, and that six individuals have received rabies post exposure prophylaxis. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is also working with the farm owners to implement a Precautionary Confinement Period for the other animals who may have been in contact with the horse.
HPPH say that rabies is almost always fatal, and is carried in the saliva of infected mammals like dogs, cats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, and bats. It is normally spread to humans through a bite or contact with the saliva through a scratch, cut or moist tissues in the mouth, nose and eyes. The HPPH are urging residents to ensure that their animals are up to date with rabies vaccinations.
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. An animal acting strangely could be a sign that it is sick;
· Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies;
· Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let your pets run free in the neighborhood, and keep them indoors at night;
· Don’t feed, transport, or relocate wildlife;
· Report wildlife that is sick or acting strangely.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice immediately, and then contact Huron Perth Public Health at 1-888-221-2133 ext 3670. If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a bat, skunk, fox or raccoon, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Veterinarians seeking assistance with domestic animal risk assessments or post-exposure management can contact OMAFRA through their online rabies response request form available at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/rabiesrequest, or by calling 1-877-424-1300.
