A potential threat for the rural or cottage dweller is the danger of rabies. In Ontario, this threat is mainly carried by foxes, but can also be carried by skunks, bats and raccoons. The danger lies not only in the contact with a rabid wild animal, but also with unvaccinated pets such as cats and dogs, who may have had an encounter with a rabid animal. Although rabies is most common with foxes the first cases of raccoon rabies in Ontario were reported in eastern Ontario in 1999. Ontario currently has active programs to decrease the threat of fox rabies and to slow down the incursion of raccoon rabies into Ontario.
There are several things that you can do to protect your family and your pets from rabies:
- Have your pets vaccinated according to instructions from your veterinarian. This includes both cats and dogs. In several areas confirmed cases of rabies in cats have exceeded reported cases in dogs. Make sure that their vaccination is current (on a schedule determined by your vet).
- Warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals.
- Raccoon and bat proof your home.
- Do not trap animals such as foxes or raccoons. If required, contract a professional to do it.
- Do not keep wildlife such as foxes or raccoons as pets. It is against the law.
- Report any animal (wildlife or stray pet) that appears to be acting strangely to your local animal control office.
- Do not touch any dead or sick animal.
- If you think you or a member of your family has been in contact with a rabid animal, see your doctor or go to the emergency ward of your nearest hospital right away! If there is an open wound, IMMEDIATELY wash it vigorously for 10 minutes using very soapy water.
The Details
What is it? - Rabies is a virus found in the saliva of infected animals. It is transmitted to pets and humans through a bite or the contamination of an existing open cut. The virus travels slowly from the bite area to the brain. If left untreated, rabies results in a painful death.
Signs and Symptoms - There are few early symptoms. The first symptoms appear 3 to 7 weeks after infection and include restlessness, irritability, fatigue, slight fever, cough, sore throat, and increased saliva and tears. These symptoms are then followed by spasms of the throat muscles that make swallowing impossible, hyperactivity and violent behaviour, confusion, high fever, irregular heartbeat and irregular breathing. In animals, visible symptoms only appear after the virus has reached the brain at which point they may attack people or other animals for no real reason or appear unnaturally friendly. Not all animals appear this way and it is best simply to avoid any wild animal or stray cat or dog.
Cure - The days of painful abdomen injections are now past. Today's treatment consists of injections of rabies-immune globulin and human-diploid-cell-strain vaccine (usually a total of six shots over the course of a month). There is no reason not to seek immediate treatment (especially given the fact that rabies is fatal if left untreated).
Rabies Links
For more information about rabies, check out:
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© 1996-2008 Ken Watson
