Look, but Don’t Touch
Health Unit Brings Awareness to Animal Bite Prevention
People can get rabies when they are 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 the person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
Steps to Prevent Animal Bites and Rabies:
- You may not be able to tell if an animal has rabies by just looking at it. It is best to avoid direct contact with wild animals. Do not feed them, touch them or handle them.
- Store all garbage containers with secure lids, so you do not attract wildlife.
- Vaccinate pets each year and keep them leashed to prevent disease spread
- Help educate your children about the risks of touching wild animals
- Report unusual animal behavior to the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 or wildlife authorities. Unusual behaviour can include:
- nocturnal animals (e.g. bats, raccoons) out in the daytime.
- lost fear of humans
- heavy drooling
- abnormal barking in dogs
- back legs not moving or other signs of paralysis
- difficulty eating or drinking
- aggressiveness, or attacks on objects or people
If bitten or scratched:
- Wash the wound with soap and water immediately. 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 to Health Unit online or by calling 705-474-1400
