News

Rabies Vaccination Clinics to Be Held on September 15, 2018

2018-08-28

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), in cooperation with local veterinarians, will be holding rabies vaccination clinics throughout the Eastern Counties. The clinics will take place on September 15, from 1 to 4 p.m., and will offer the rabies vaccine for cats and dogs at a cost of $25 per pet. No examination will take place. Details about clinic locations can be found on the EOHU’s website at www.EOHU.ca.

While there have been no cases of rabies in the area served by the EOHU lately, it’s important to make sure your pets are vaccinated as southern Ontario is experiencing an outbreak of raccoon rabies. The rabies vaccine is an effective way to keep your family and pets safe.

Rabies is a deadly disease that can infect wild animals such as bats, raccoons and skunks. However, pets can also become infected and then pass it on to people. Rabies is spread through rabid animal bites, or through contact with a rabid animal’s saliva. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

To protect the community against rabies, it’s required by law that all cats and dogs three months of age or older be vaccinated against the disease. Even if your cat or dog is an indoor pet, they still need to receive the rabies vaccine because bats carrying rabies can enter residences.

The following tips can help protect your family and your pets from rabies exposure:

  • Keep your pets’ rabies vaccination up to date.
  • Try to keep bats out of your home. Do not touch or pick up bats with your bare hands.
  • Teach your children to keep a safe distance from wild or domestic animals they don’t know.
  • Supervise your pets when they’re outdoors.
  • Have your pets spayed or neutered.
  • Call Animal Control to remove any stray animals from your neighbourhood.
  • Report all animal bites to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.
  • Report any sick or strange acting wildlife to Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at 1 888 574-6656.

For more information, contact the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120, or visit us online at www.EOHU.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.