Rabies in Niagara
Niagara has confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons.
The warmer weather is approaching and humans and animals will be more active. It is important that residents learn about rabies, prevention, and what to do if an animal bites you.
Signs an animal may have rabies:
- Increased aggression
- Depression
- Paralysis in the face or hind legs
Statistics in Niagara
Rabies Prevention Video
Bjorn Christensen, Former Director, Environmental Health speaks about rabies prevention.
Protect Against Rabies
- Have your pets vaccinated
- Do not feed wild animals
- Warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals
- Do not attempt to trap wild animals on your property
- Do not keep wildlife as pets
- Do not touch dead or sick animals
- Do not try to nurse sick animals to health
- Do not relocate any wild animals
Have You Been Bitten by a Dog or Cat?
Rabies is transmitted through saliva from bites or scratches from infected animals.
If you have been in contact with an animal that might have rabies, you should:
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Wash the Wound
Use soap and antiseptic under running water for five minutes
-
See a Doctor
The rabies vaccine needs to be administered soon after exposure
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Report the Animal
Give the doctor as much information about the animal as possible
Your doctor will contact Public Health who will investigate the claim.
If the animal can be located, a health inspector will confine the animal for ten days to check for symptoms. We will not remove a healthy animal from the owner.
After ten days, the health inspector will return and release the animal if it is healthy, and the person who was bitten is notified that there is no risk of rabies.
If you are bitten by an animal other than a dog or cat, each situation will be risk-assessed by public health to determine next steps.
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