Raccoon Rabies - Protecting Your Family and Your Pets

  A new strain of rabies has now been found in Ontario.  Raccoon rabies was identified near Prescott, Ontario in July 1999.  Raccoon rabies is a strain of rabies spread mainly by raccoons although other animals can have the same type of rabies.  Raccoon rabies is a concern in our area because of the large numbers of raccoons that live very close to our homes.  Here are a few ideas to  protect your family and pets from rabies. 

    Have your pets vaccinated. The rabies vaccine that your veterinarian has given your pet in the past will also protect your pet from raccoon strain rabies.

  Warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals.  Wild animals belong in the wild.  It is against the law to keep wildlife, including raccoons, as pets.

                  Discourage wild animals from taking up residence in your home or on your property.  Cover up potential entrances, such as uncapped chimneys, loose shingles and openings in attics, roofs and eaves. If you are not sure where raccoons are getting in, sprinkle flour around potential entrances and check for footprints later.  You can also stuff a rag or ball of paper in a suspect hole and check later to see if it has been removed.

                  Make a raccoon den unlivable.  Sprinkle moth balls around the area or hang ammonia-soaked cotton rags near the entrance and keep the area brightly lit.  Raccoons dislike loud noises, bright lights and strong smells.  Use the same methods in your garden or in the area where you keep your garbage or composter.

  Do not move a trapped raccoon to a new location.  You could help spread the disease.  

                  If your pet=s food is usually left outside, bring it in at the end of the day.

                  Do not touch dead or sick animals.  Use a shovel and wear gloves if you need to dispose of a dead animal.

                  Dogs and cats often get into fights with wild animals.  If you have reason to believe that your pet has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, do not handle your pet without gloves; there may be fresh saliva from a rabid animal on its coat.  Isolate your pet and call your veterinarian.