ALERT: Rabid Skunk Found in Blyth – Make Sure Your Pets Have Their Shots Before It’s Too Late!

The Huron County Health Unit has been notified that a skunk from the Blyth area submitted for testing on December 14, 2016, was infected with the rabies virus. This is the first case of rabies in a terrestrial animal in Huron County since 2008. The Health Unit would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure their pets are immunized against rabies.

Dogs and cats often get into fights with wild animals. If you witness a fight, or if your dog or cat comes home with injuries from a fight and you believe it may have been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal:

Do not directly handle your pet as there may be fresh saliva from a rabid animal on its coat; wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards,

Isolate your pet and,

Contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs at 1-877-424-1300.

Help control the spread of the rabies virus by being a responsible pet owner. Make sure that all dogs and cats, including those in the barn, are vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners are required by provincial law (Regulation 567/90) to have all cats and dogs three months of age or over immunized against rabies.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by a rabid animal avoid handling any wild, unknown or stray animals. Parents are encouraged to teach their children to stay away from any animal they do not know. If you see a baby animal that appears to be orphaned, leave it alone. Chances are its mother is nearby. The possible danger to you outweighs the good you might do for the animal. Notify the nearest animal control agency or humane society branch instead. If you or someone in your family has contact with an animal that may have rabies, seek medical attention immediately.

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