Rabies is caused by a virus that infects the brains of warm-blooded animals. Rabies is carried in saliva and can spread to people who have been in contact with an infected animal. Typically exposure occurs through a bite or scratch that breaks the skin.

Who is at Risk?

In Ontario, rabies is commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes and other wild animals. However, domestic animals are also at risk of acquiring and developing rabies. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal is at risk of developing rabies, which is fatal.

Rabies Investigations

CK Public Health Inspectors follow up on potential exposure incidents. Inspectors will ensure the animal involved is up to date with rabies vaccination, healthy and remains healthy for a confinement period which is usually 10 to 14 days. Testing for rabies virus is available in situations when the animal cannot be confined but is usually reserved for wild, stray or gravely ill domestic animals. Only deceased (dead) animals can be tested for rabies.

If the investigation cannot be completed, or rabies testing is not available, rabies can be prevented with rabies post exposure prophylaxis which includes vaccine and immune globulin.

If You Have Been Bitten or Scratched

• Immediately clean and flush the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• See your healthcare provider or go to the hospital as soon as possible.
• Ensure your health care provider reports the incident to CK Public Health.
• Report the bite or scratch to CK Public Health.

If a wild animal is acting strangely or found dead on your property and no people or pets have had contact with the animal, call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Rabies Information Line at 1-888-574-6656.

If Your Pet Has Been Bitten or Scratched

Contact your veterinarian if your pet has been bitten or scratched by a wild, stray or unvaccinated domestic animal. Rabies vaccine or booster doses may be recommended by your veterinarian.

Mandatory Pet Immunization

By law, all cats, dogs and ferrets older than three months must be immunized for rabies. Please work with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is protected and has required their routine vaccines.

Farm animals, like horses, cows, bulls, steers, calves or sheep that contact the public must also be vaccinated for rabies.

Local Animal Control

In Chatham-Kent, Pet & Wildlife Rescue oversees the responsible Animal Ownership By-Law and the Dog Owners Liability Act of Ontario. Please contact Pet & Wildlife Rescue Animal Control Officers at 226-996-9969 to report any violations of the By-law, Act or animal neglect/abuse concerns.