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Police shoot suspected rabid raccoon at park in Shelburne

July 6, 2017   ·   0 Comments

By Tom Claridge

Shelburne Police shot an apparently rabid raccoon that approached a resident who was walking his dog on Canada Day.

Police Chief Kent Moore said Wednesday the incident occurred near a playground in the town’s south end. The resident called police and officers shot the animal on observing its behaviour.

He understood that the raccoon’s remains would be sent to public health for examination.

A spokesman for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health told the Citizen Wednesday that testing would be optional since there was no known human exposure, and any test results might not be released for three to four weeks.

“If there had been human exposure the testing would be much more rapid,” said Chuck Ferguson.

In April, WDG Public Health issued a news release notifying the public that raccoon rabies had recently re-emerged after a 10-year absence in the animal population in Ontario.

“In fact, hundreds of raccoons and skunks have tested positive for the raccoon strain of rabies in the last 15 months,” the release said, adding that while Wellington and Dufferin counties had not had a confirmed positive case of rabies, “it is only a matter of time until wild animals from affected areas venture into our region.”

At that point, most of the animals with rabies had been found in the Hamilton area, but Haldimand-Norfolk, Niagara Region, Halton Region, Perth County and Brant County had also had positive cases of rabies.

Rabies is a virus that affects mammals, including humans, and is most commonly spread by wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. However, the infected saliva can also enter an uninfected animal or human through scratches, open wounds or mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. As a precaution, it is important to stay away from all wildlife, and stray cats and dogs. Pet owners should also vaccinate their dogs and cats for rabies.

“Exposure to rabies is fatal. Make sure your pets are vaccinated and know how to protect yourself and your family,” Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, said at the time. “If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to rabies, contact your physician immediately or go to a hospital emergency department.”

Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal, or who has been in contact with a suspicious animal should report the incident to WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4753. After hours, on weekends and holidays, call 1-877-884-8653. As well, if your dog or cat has been bitten or scratched by another animal (domestic, wild or stray) you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

If you suspect a wild animal has rabies do not go near it. Contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656.

For more information about rabies visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca.


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