Assistance Request Follow Up

July 13, 2016

Follow up to the Health Unit Requesting Assistance in Locating Resident

We would like to thank everyone who helped us in this investigation.

The raccoon that was being investigated was unfit for testing. The risk was very low that the raccoon had rabies and it was a precautionary measure to test it.

Someone has identified themselves as the person who brought the animal in and rabies transmission and contact with saliva was discussed. There were no reported bites, scratches or saliva contact with their face or skin.

It is important to remember the following tips about rabies prevention:

• Warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals.
• Do not keep wildlife as pets. It is against the law.
• Have your pets vaccinated according to instructions from your veterinarian.
• Do not feed wild animals. You may be putting your family in danger.
• Discourage wild animals from taking up residence in your home or on your property. For example, cover up potential entrances such as uncapped chimneys, loose shingles, and openings in attics, roofs and eaves. You may want to contact a professional for advice.
• Do not attempt to trap wild animals that are causing damage to your property. Instead, contact a professional animal control officer to remove nuisance animals.
• Do not trap and transport wild animals to a new location. It is illegal.
• Do not touch dead animals. Bury or dispose of them carefully, and make sure pets cannot get at the carcasses.
• If you find a wild or stray animal that appears to be sick, do not try to nurse the animal to health. When an animal is in need of help, it requires specialized care to recover and return to the wild.
• If your own pet is sick, contact your vet immediately.
• If you think you, or any member of your family, has been in contact with a rabid animal, immediately contact your local Health Unit, doctor, or go to your local emergency health care department.
• If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, clean the wound with soap and water and report the exposure to your local Health Unit.
• Get your pets vaccinated against rabies. You can visit our clinics in September for cats or dogs or go to your vet.

For further information about preventing rabies, contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit by calling 1-800-660-5853 or visiting our Rabies section or getting updates from us on Facebook and following us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit.

Contact

Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-345-5685 or 613-802-0550