People can get rabies if they're bitten or scratched by an animal with the virus, or if the animal's infected saliva enters an already existing open cut or wound. One can also get rabies if the infected saliva makes contact with their eyes, nose or mouth.
Rabies
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus carried in the saliva of animals such as foxes, skunks, bats and raccoons. It can cause death in humans if not treated immediately.
How can I tell if an animal has rabies?
You may not be able to tell if an animal has rabies by just looking at it.
Animals with rabies often act strangely. Rabies appears in two basic forms: dumb and furious.
Signs of dumb rabies:
- Wild animals losing their fear of humans
- Nocturnal animals coming out in the day
- Animals showing signs of paralysis.
Signs of the furious rabies
- Aggressiveness
- Attacks on objects or people
Other symptoms of rabies:
- Back legs not moving
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Heavy drooling
- Abnormal barking
What should I do if I get bit?
- If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound right away with soap and water. Try to remove as much of the animal's saliva as possible.
- Avoid splashing wash water into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Contact your doctor, visit the Emergency Department of your local hospital, or go to a walk-in clinic.
- Report the bite or scratch to us online or by phone at 705-474-1400 (toll free: 1-800-563-2808)in accordance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
What can I do to prevent rabies?
- Stay away from dogs and cats you don't know, that appear ill or are acting strangely.
- Stay away from wild animals including bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons.
- Do not let your pet run free in the neighborhood and keep them indoors at night.
- Store all garbage containers with secure lids, so you do not attract wildlife.
- Make sure your pet(s) are vaccinated against rabies.
- If you walk your dog in public places, know the rules:
- If you get bitten or scratched by an animal, report it to us as soon as possible.
Low-cost rabies clinics for dogs and cats
Refer to Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians for information on rabies vaccine clinics in the North Bay Parry Sound district.
Our role in Rabies Prevention
- Follow up on all reports of animal bites and scratches to humans.
- Give rabies vaccine to doctors for their patients, if needed.
- Make sure cats and dogs have their shots for rabies. It's the law!
- Teach the public about rabies.
Animal Bites and Scratches
When you report an animal bite or scratch, you help to keep your community members safe.
More information on rabies
- Government of Ontario: Rabies and Rabies in Humans
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians
Resources for physicians and veterinarians
Reporting of an animal bite or scratch can be done by accessing our online form below. Alternatively, you may make a report by calling us at 705-474-1400.