Rabies Control

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that affects warm blooded animals and is spread by contact with saliva from an infected animal. Any warm-blooded mammal can be infected. Most reported cases involve wild animals like foxes, bats, raccoons, and skunks. However, domestic animals like dogs and cats are also at risk.

What to do if you are bitten or scratched by an animal

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, follow these steps:

  1. If possible, collect animal owner/custodian information (name, address and phone number).
  2. Immediately wash the bite or wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Apply an antiseptic to the wound.
  4. Seek medical attention from a healthcare provider to assess your risk and discuss treatment options.
  5. Report an animal bite or scratch to York Region Public Health:
    • If you’re reporting Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: 
    • If you’re reporting after 4:30 p.m. on Weekdays, Weekends or Holidays:
      • Call 1-888-335-0111

Treatment for preventing rabies

There is no cure for rabies once symptoms develop.

Immediately wash the wound with soap and water.  Contact Public Health and seek medical attention. If a rabies risk assessment determines you need treatment, your health care provider will give a series of injections known as rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This includes rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine. The date your injections start is considered Day 0.

Rabies Immune Globulin (RabIg)

  • Provides immediate short-term protection against the rabies virus
  • Given on the first day of treatment if not vaccinated in the past for rabies
  • Amount given depends on patient’s weight

Rabies Vaccine

  • Helps a person develop antibodies
  • Given as a series of four doses over 14 days. Your physician will determine if a fifth dose is necessary if you are immunocompromised
  • People who were appropriately vaccinated in the past for rabies only require two doses of vaccine and no RabIg

Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Information Sheet for Clinicians

How can I protect myself and my family?

There are many ways to protect yourself and your family from rabies.

  • If you are an animal owner, keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date. Under Ontario law, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies
  • If you have been bitten, scratched or licked by an animal wash the wound with soap and water and contact your doctor immediately
  • Report all animal bites or scratches to York Region Public Health
  • Teach your children to stay away from unfamiliar animals and to immediately tell an adult if they have been bitten or scratched
  • Avoid feeding, handling or coming into contact with wild or unfamiliar animals
  • Protect your pet from coming into contact with wild animals by keeping them on a leash when they are off your property
  • Never touch a dead animal with your bare hands. If you must dispose of a dead animal, wear thick protective gloves and use a shovel
  • Do not try to assist a sick or dying animal; call your local animal control agency to report a sick animal
  • Take measures to keep wild animals away from your home and property
  • If you are travelling abroad, avoid contact with wild animals and be especially careful around cats and dogs in developing countries

Keeping bats out of your home

Bats are capable of transmitting the rabies virus. Bats in York Region have tested positive for rabies.

Inspect your home for possible entry points

  • Entry points are often near the edge of the roof such as under the eaves, soffits or loose boards, openings in the roof or vents, or crevices around the chimney
  • Bats can squeeze through very tiny spaces, some the size of a dime
  • If you have a colony of bats in your home, never attempt to remove the colony yourself. Always hire a professional animal removal company

Bat proof your home

  • Use window screens, chimney caps and draft guards beneath doors to attics, fill in electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking and ensure all doors to the outside close tightly

What to do if you find a bat in your home

  • If the bat is alive and had direct contact with a person, or found in a room with a child or adult who cannot explain if they came in contact with a bat:
    • Attempt to confine it in a room and contact York Region Health Connection to have the bat trapped and submitted for rabies testing. Never attempt to catch the bat yourself
    • If the bat is dead, protect your children and pets by placing a box or container over the bat and contact York Region Health Connection to have the bat tested for rabies
  • If there is no risk of exposure to either a person or animal:
    • If the bat is alive, attempt to confine the bat to one room, turn off the lights and open a window. The bat should fly out on its own
    • If the bat is dead, contact your local municipality for directions on how to dispose of the dead bat. Never touch the bat with your bare hands. If you need to move the bat wear heavy duty gloves and use tongs or a shovel

Protect your pet against rabies

Vaccination of pets is an important measure for rabies control and is very effective at protecting animals against the deadly rabies virus. In Ontario, it is mandatory that all cats and dogs (including indoor pets) are vaccinated for rabies as soon as they turn three months old. Speak to your vet on how often re-vaccination is required (depending on the type of vaccine). Some groomers, kennels and doggie daycares require proof of rabies vaccination as well as some municipalities for licensing requirements.

Low-cost rabies clinics for dogs and cats can be found on the York Region Events Calendar or on the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians website.

Rabies Resources

External Resources