FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Perth County ̶ A cow located in Elma Ward has tested positive for rabies. This is the third confirmed rabid animal in Perth County since 2015. A skunk and another cow, both in Ellice Ward, tested positive for rabies in April 2016 and in December 2015. “This positive result continues to remind us that rabies is still present in Perth County,” says Dale Lyttle, Senior Public Health Inspector.
Rabies is almost always fatal. The rabies virus can be carried in the saliva of infected mammals, such as dogs, cats, foxes, skunks, raccoons and bats. It is normally spread to humans through a bite, scratch, cut or contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose and eyes. “It’s important that residents make sure their dogs and cats, even barn cats, are up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations,” urges Lyttle.
The rabid cow was located on a working dairy farm. “The cow was most likely in contact with a rabid wild animal, such as a skunk or fox,” explains Lyttle. The Health Unit is working with the farm operators to investigate potential human exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are no published studies that have demonstrated the presence of rabies virus in cows’ milk. Although transmission of rabies virus from consuming unpasteurized milk from an infected animal is theoretically possible, no human has ever been reported to develop rabies via this route. Milk that has been heat pasteurized presents no risk for rabies virus transmission. “This is an important reminder that people should only drink milk that has been pasteurized,” says Lyttle.
The Dairy Farmers of Ontario is working with the producer to manage milk from the farm and to protect the public from any health risks. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is working with the producer and veterinarian to implement a Precautionary Confinement Period (PCP) for the other cows that were in the group with the infected animal.
To protect your family and your pets from rabies:
- Keep pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it’s the law that all cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don’t know or animals that are acting strangely. A strange acting animal could be a sign that it is sick
- Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies
- Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let your pets run free in the neighbourhood and keep them indoors at night
- Don’t feed, transport or relocate wildlife.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soapy water, seek medical advice immediately, and then contact the Perth District Health Unit at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.
If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a bat, skunk, fox or raccoon, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Veterinarians seeking assistance with risk assessments or post-exposure management can call the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at 1-877-424-1300.
For more information:
- Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267
- Visit www.pdhu.on.ca/rabies
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