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Two Positive Rabid Skunks |
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Test results received May 4, 2010, confirm rabies found in two skunks in separate locations from Southgate and West Grey in Grey County. There was no human involvement. These are the second and third rabid animal reports in Grey Bruce for 2010. While rabies cases continue to decline across Ontario, it is still a significant concern in Grey Bruce. Last year saw the lowest number of rabies cases ever in Ontario with 50 confirmed cases province-wide. However, 10 of those cases, 20% of the provincial total, were from Grey Bruce (6 skunks, 2 fox, 1 bat and 1 cattle). May is National Rabies Awareness Month; Public Health reminds you to protect your pets against rabies. It is the law all cats and dogs over three months and all riding horses in Grey Bruce must be vaccinated for rabies. Vaccinations protect pets from rabies and help protect your family if your pet is bitten by a rabid wild animal. Ensure your pet’s immunization is up-to-date. Ask your vet about vaccinations for your pet. A conviction for not having an animal properly vaccinated carries a $105 fine, per animal. 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, or if the saliva comes in contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. Rabies is fatal to animals and without the timely treatment will cause death in humans. There is no known treatment for rabies once the symptoms appear.
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Protect yourself and
your family. Do not feed or touch a wild or unknown animal. Warn
children to stay away from wild or stray animals and animals that are
acting strangely. Don't touch sick or injured animals. Seek immediate
medical attention if you are in contact with an animal you think may be
rabid. Report all animal bites to Public Health. Protect your pets and livestock from contact with wildlife. Keep your pets under control; don't let them run free, especially at night. With the threat of raccoon rabies, do not attempt to raise orphan raccoons. Most important… have your dogs, cats (including barn cats) and riding horses immunized by your vet.
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