Rabies Control

What is rabies?

Rabies is caused by a virus that can infect any mammal, including humans. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish do not get rabies. In infected mammals, the virus is found in saliva and can be spread through three main ways:

Bites that break the skin
Getting infected saliva in an open cut, sore, or other wound
Getting infected saliva in the mouth, nose, or eyes

The animals that most often transmit rabies in Ontario are bats, foxes, skunks and raccoons. Once signs of rabies appear, in any animal, the disease is virtually always fatal. A series of vaccinations and treatment with rabies antibodies can prevent infection in humans in most cases if administered soon after exposure.

New Rabies Immunization Requirements

Animal owners should be aware of changes made to Ontario Regulation 567-Rabies Immunization under the Health Protection Act. These changes apply to all of Ontario.

Starting July 1, 2018:

Owners must ensure that all cats, dogs and ferrets three months of age or over are immunized against rabies;
Owners of horses, cows, bulls, steer, calves, or sheep must ensure that these animals are immunized against rabies unless

• the animals are only accessible by the person(s) responsible for the care and control of these animals or

• where the only time the animal is accessible by persons other than the persons described above is when the animal is at a seasonal agricultural fair including those held by an agricultural society constituted under the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act, unless the animal is part of an interactive display such as a petting zoo.

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has provided a Q&A to clarify livestock requirements. If you have further questions, please call your local public health office and speak with a Public Health Inspector.

More information on:

As a precaution, if bitten or scratched by any animal:

Wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. A health care provider will do a risk assessment to determine if rabies vaccine is needed.
The health unit will investigate all reports of animal bites and scratches with most animals being quarantined for a 10-day period. Livestock are confined for a 14-day observation period. Wild animals will be euthanized and tested for rabies. If the animal dies during the confinement period, it will be tested for rabies.
In any quarantine situation we remind the public that we don’t take their animals away from them during or after the quarantine period.

The NEPH will continue to work with pet owners and local vets to protect the public and other animals from the spread of rabies. It is important animal owners work with the health unit to protect the public and other animals from the potential spread of the rabies virus.

Health professionals are responsible to report animal incidents to their local health units. Animal incidents can be reported by calling the Northeastern Public Health at 1-877-442-1212 where someone can be reached 24 hours a day.

If the animal is not located, the victim will be advised to consult with their doctor concerning post-exposure anti-rabies treatment. Rabies, if untreated, is a fatal disease.

Immunization: Rabies vaccine

Rabies vaccine protects people after they have been licked, bitten or scratched by an animal with rabies. For more information, click here.

Who should get the rabies vaccine?

Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or licked on an open wound or sore by an animal suspected of having rabies should get this vaccine.

Who should I talk to if I have any questions about this vaccine?

Talk to your doctor or call your local public health unit for more information.

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