World Rabies Day

Today is World Rabies Day! 
A day to spread awareness regarding The Rabies Virus.

​What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease, that affects the brain and central nervous system, and can be spread to mammals (including people and animals- both wild and domestic) through contact with saliva or nerve tissues from an infected animal.
The most common way rabies virus is transmitted is through a bite or scratch from a rabid animal. Rabies can also be spread when infected saliva or nerve tissue comes in contact with an open wound or is introduced into a mucous membrane like the eyes, nose or mouth.
In most cases, once symptoms appear, rabies virus is almost always fatal.

What is being done in Ontario to Control Rabies?
Ontario is well complimented by three government Ministries that work together in the fight against rabies including the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC), Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF).

The MOHLTC works with public health when a person has potentially been exposed to a rabid animal. Cases of potential exposure are investigated by local public health staff who determine the requirements for animal rabies testing and quarantine as well as post exposure vaccinations for people.

The OMAFRA works with cases where animals have been potentially exposed to rabid animals. Working with veterinarians, cases of potential exposure are investigated and a determination is made regarding the requirements for rabies testing, precautionary confinement and post exposure vaccinations for animals.

The OMNRF works with Ontario's wildlife population providing rabies surveillance testing and wildlife rabies vaccine bait distribution in areas where rabies has been known to occur. 

​Abbotsford Animal Hospital - Caring for Pets for People in York Region, Aurora, Newmarket, King City, Richmond Hill and the GTA.

Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians

http://www.oavt.org/view.asp?ccid=558