Raccoon Rabies Returns To LGL Area 

Submitted by Henry Garcia, CPHI(C), DPHS, BASc(Env.H) Director of Health Protection

After one year of being free of rabid raccoons that die as a result of this new strain of rabies, the Health Unit, in cooperation with the Rabies Research Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resource is once again on the alert for raccoons carrying this strain of virus. In late August of this year, two raccoons in separate incidents were killed and subsequently tested positive for raccoon rabies. A few months later another raccoon was also found positive for rabies. All three raccoons were found in the south central area of Leeds County. The Ministry has undertaken a number of control measures to ensure that these isolated incidents do not spread out of the area. The Health Unit released a number of public notices advising the public to avoid contact with all wildlife and to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. Persons exposed to the saliva or blood of an animal should immediately wash the affected area with soap and warm water, consult with their family doctor and contact the Health Unit for information and investigation purposes.

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