Niagara Region say two racoons in St Catharines have tested positive for rabies and are urging pet owners and parents to be cautious.
This year, a total of three racoons have tested positive for the infection, and last year five cases were found in a bat, a dog, racoon and two skunks.
The region says residents should not approach any wild animal, even those who appear to be in distress.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, MNRF, as well as SPCAs and Humane Societies, are continuing to monitor the area for animals with rabies.
Public Health advises residents to take the following measures to protect themselves from rabies:
- Ensure pet dogs and cats have current rabies vaccinations (typically needed annually by law)
- Prevent pet dogs and cats from roaming off-leash or unsupervised
- Avoid all contact with wild animals and prevent contact between pets and wildlife
- Report wild animals exhibiting abnormal behavior (particularly raccoons) to local animal control services:
- Welland SPCA: 905-735-1552
- Lincoln County Humane Society: 905-682-0767
- Niagara Falls Humane Society: 905-356-4404
- Fort Erie Humane Society: 905-871-2461
- An animal with rabies may not display symptoms, and so all bites or scratches, however mild, from an animal must be assessed to ensure the person bitten/scratched is not at risk.
Immediately report all animal bites and scratches of humans to Niagara Region Public Health at 905-688-8248, ext. 7590 or toll free 1-888-505-6074. Niagara Region Public Health is available to take calls about animal bites 24/7.
