MAPLETON – The Ontario government distributed oral vaccine bait in Mapleton earlier this week after a skunk found in the township tested positive for rabies.
Ministry of Resources and Forestry officials dropped khaki-green baits from a helicopter in a rural area of former Peel Township, south of Drayton and east of Conestogo Lake on Dec. 10 and 11. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) officials are reminding residents to avoid touching the baits so they can be eaten by raccoons, skunks and foxes. It typically takes about two weeks for the baits to take effect.
Officials say there was no human contact with the skunk that tested positive for rabies, but one individual is receiving post-exposure treatment after handling an animal that interacted with the skunk.
“Animals that carry rabies are still active into the fall and winter months. This is a reminder that rabies is fatal to people and animals, including pets,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and CEO of WDGPH.
“If you are concerned you might have been exposed to rabies, contact your physician immediately or go to a hospital emergency department. If you think your pet may have been bitten or scratched by another animal, call your veterinarian immediately.”
Public health says if residents suspect a wild animal has rabies they should not go near it; they should contact a local animal control service or the police.
If bitten or scratched by an animal, or if they’re in contact with a suspicious animal, residents should also report the incident to WDGPH at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4753. After hours, on weekends and holidays, call 1-877-884-8653.
Rabies is spread by the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through a bite or scratch.
WDGPH officials suggest avoiding all contact with wild animals, especially foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats, and vaccinating pets against rabies. For more information visit wdgpublichealth.ca/rabies.
