Rabies and Animal Bites

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is responsible for protecting and educating the public about rabies, a transmissible and deadly disease that affects mammals such as bats, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through animal bites or through contact of an animal’s saliva with the eyes, mouth, or an open wound.

Bats pose a particular risk for rabies transmission. In recent years, an increased number of bats in the area have tested positive for rabies. Because bats have very small, sharp teeth, a bite may not always be noticeable and may leave no visible mark.

Reporting Animal Bites

All animal bites to humans must be reported to the EOHU by calling 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120.

Rabies Prevention

To protect the community against rabies, Ontario law requires that all dogs and cats three months of age or older be vaccinated against rabies. This requirement applies even to indoor pets, as bats or other potentially rabid animals may enter any residence. The EOHU also reminds you to:

  • supervise your pets when 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
  • keep your pet's vaccination up-to-date
  • avoid touching animals you don’t know, without the owner’s permission
  • vaccinate livestock against rabies

If you work or volunteer in a setting where you may be frequently exposed to animals that could carry rabies, speak with your health care provider about rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines for people are only recommended for those with ongoing occupational exposure or for travel to higher‑risk countries.

Animal Bites Investigation

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry monitors rabies activity in terrestrial wild animals and leads wildlife rabies control programs. Rabies testing and case tracking for all species, including bats, is conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit investigates all reports of animal bites to humans, as well as suspicious direct contact with wild animals or bats, within its service area.

When the EOHU investigates an animal bite or a suspicious direct contact with a wild animal or bat reported on its territory, we ask that the animal (if a domestic pet) be confined for ten days. We also ask the owner to produce proof that the animal is adequately vaccinated against rabies. If the animal is not, we ensure that it will be done immediately after the confinement period ends.

Domestic Animals

When a domestic animal is involved, the EOHU requires:

  • The animal to be confined for 10 days, and
  • The owner to provide proof of up‑to‑date rabies vaccination.
  • If the animal is not adequately vaccinated, the EOHU ensures vaccination occurs immediately after the confinement period.

Wild Animals and Bats

If a wild animal or bat is captured following a potential exposure, it may be submitted for rabies testing when testing criteria are met.

Important update:

Rabies animal testing has been discontinued for:

  • Non‑exposures involving bats
  • Category I exposures involving terrestrial mammals (raccoons, skunks, and feral cats) such as feeding, touching, or licking intact skin.

Extended turnaround times for rabies testing are to be expected during peak season (June to September). In addition, same‑day testing may no longer be available.

If an animal or bat is not available for testing, the EOHU works closely with the Medical Officer of Health to determine the next steps.

Follow-Up of Positive Rabies Reports

A person may require rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis (vaccine) if they have been bitten or had direct contact with a potentially rabid animal or bat.

The EOHU:

  • Ensures follow‑up of positive rabies test results received from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • Assesses each exposure
  • Ensures that individuals receive rabies post‑exposure treatment without delay when there is any doubt of infection

The results of animal confinement or rabies testing help determine whether rabies post‑exposure treatment is required.