Test results received March 31, 2011, confirm rabies in a bat found in the Walkerton area, Municipality of Brockton. No human involvement has been associated with this animal. This is the first rabid animal report in Grey Bruce for 2011.

Rabies cases are in decline across Ontario but it remains a concern in Grey Bruce. Last year there were 39 confirmed cases province-wide, the lowest number of rabies cases ever seen in Ontario. However, 10 cases, 25% of the provincial total, were from Grey Bruce (all skunks).

Rabies is a deadly disease of the central nervous system that affects humans and other mammals. The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and can spread through a bite, cut or scratch. Rabies is fatal and without timely treatment will cause death in humans and animals. There is no known treatment for rabies once the symptoms appear.

Protect yourself and your family. Do not feed or touch a wild or unknown animal, an animal acting strangely or an animal that appears sick or injured. Seek immediate medical attention if you are in contact with an animal you think may be rabid. Report all animal bites to Public Health. Keep your pets under control; don't let them run free, especially at night. Have your dogs, cats (including barn cats) and riding horses immunized.