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A young child was recently exposed to rabies in Acton, when he came into contact with a rabid bat. He now faces post rabies vaccines to prevent him from developing the disease. Rabies is a viral disease that can affect any warm blooded animal which includes humans, cats, dogs, horses and wildlife such as skunks and foxes. While most people think rabies only affects foxes and skunks, in our region, the number one carrier of rabies is the bat. Since people often do not feel a bat bite while sleeping any bats found in the house should immediately be sent for rabies testing.

Rabies is spread through infected saliva. The most common way to get rabies is through a bite wound from an infected animal. However, saliva from an infected animal can penetrate mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth) and therefore it is very important not to touch a suspect animal. The incubation period (time to develop the disease) depends on the location of exposure. For example, a person or animal bitten in the toe will take a longer time to develop signs of the disease then if they were bitten in the face. Once the virus enters the body it tracks along the nerves and goes to the brain. It can take days to months for the virus to reach the brain and it is only when it has reached the brain that clinical signs of the disease develop.

Animals with rabies may show either the "Dumb" form of rabies or the "Furious" form of rabies. In the furious form the animal becomes very aggressive and may bite and attack at anything in it’s environment while in the dumb form the animal may appear unusually friendly and show signs of drooling or un-coordination of the back legs.

If you come into contact with a suspicious animal do not touch or handle the animal. Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in your region. If any human contact occurred wash any potentially exposed areas with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. If your pet has been exposed, isolate your pet immediately to prevent other animals or people from being exposed and wait for further instructions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s inspector.

The most important steps you can take to protect your family and your pets is to have your pets regularly vaccinated against rabies. A vaccine protocol can be set up with consultation with your veterinarian that will help you protect your pet and prevent the spread of rabies.

Dr. Wevers can be reached at:
Foothills Veterinary Services
Hwy. 125, Acton  Tel. 519-853-3246