Although people rarely die of rabies in Canada – the most recent being an Alberta man who died this year from a strain of bat rabies – rabies remains a serious health issue across the world.

The World Health Organization estimates that upwards of 55,000 people die annually from rabies.

Here in Ontario the situation is less dire, thanks to a concerted effort on several fronts: reduction in the incidence of rabies in the wildlife through fox and raccoon vaccine bating programs; legislated vaccination programs in domestic pets and animals; and a very proactive approach to any animal bites involving humans.

In 2006, five wild animals (one skunk, four bats) tested positive for rabies in Simcoe Muskoka.
During the same time frame, the health unit investigated more than 964 animal bite incidents and enforced 10-day quarantines for more than 600 domestic animals.

Rabies is a virus that is spread in the saliva of a rabid animal during a bite or scratch incident.
The disease is always fatal if not treated, but early recognition of the potential for disease and subsequent post-exposure treatment reverses that possibility quickly.

Vaccinating your pets against the virus is a very simple and effective way to protect your pet, as well as you and your family. You can have your pets vaccinated during routine veterinary visits or at one of the low-cost rabies clinics scheduled this fall.

Last year, more than 4,500 cats and dogs were vaccinated at the low-cost clinics. The rabies vaccine is mandatory for domestic cats and dogs in Simcoe Muskoka and non-compliance with this legislation could result in a monetary fine, as well as a series of immunizations for those persons exposed to a bite or scratch from an animal and quarantining of the pet in question.

A list of low-cost clinics in the area is available on our website or a schedule can be picked up at local municipal offices and some local businesses.

So what can you do to reduce your and your family’s risk of rabies? Avoid contact with and feeding of unfamiliar domestic animals and all wild animals;

Avoid contact with an animal that is obviously ill, acting strangely or is found dead;  Do not allow pets to run loose outdoors, especially at night;  Teach your children to stay away from stray pets and wild animals; and Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date.

 In the unfortunate event that you or a family member is bitten by any animal, immediately wash the wound well with soap and water and then contact your doctor. Then, notify the health unit so that the incident can be investigated and assessed for the risk of rabies.

Based on that assessment, post-exposure immunization may be recommended.

For more information about rabies, or to find out more about low-cost rabies clinics, call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or visit our website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org

– Dr. Pfaff is one of Simcoe Muskoka’s associate medical officers of health.