Durham Region Urges Caution Around Wildlife During Rabies Awareness Month

By Weekly Voice | With information from Durham Region Health Department

As May marks Rabies Awareness Month, Durham Region Health Department is urging residents to take extra precautions when encountering wildlife, particularly in outdoor spaces and residential areas. The reminder comes in response to ongoing concerns about rabies exposure, especially after six bats in the region tested positive for the virus in 2024.

Rabies, a viral disease spread through the saliva of infected animals, remains almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or even contact with infected saliva entering the body through an open wound. While preventable, the disease requires immediate action following potential exposure.

Wild animals such as bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons are most commonly associated with rabies in Ontario. Residents are advised to avoid all contact with these species. Children, in particular, should be taught to steer clear of sick or injured animals and report any encounters to a responsible adult. If a wild animal is discovered on school grounds, the Health Department recommends safely containing it without physical contact and notifying authorities for further guidance.

The Health Department has also issued a list of practical precautions. These include keeping children and pets away from wild animals, supervising pets outdoors, and avoiding the handling of dead or sick wildlife. In cases of possible exposure, individuals should contact public health officials immediately to determine next steps, which may include treatment with post-exposure prophylaxis.

Pets play a crucial role in preventing rabies from spreading to humans. All dog and cat owners are reminded that rabies vaccination is mandatory for animals over three months old under Ontario Regulation 567/90. Brenda Kwan, Manager of Health Protection, emphasized the importance of staying up to date with immunizations and practicing responsible pet ownership. This includes supervising pets, reporting bites and scratches, and having animals spayed or neutered to reduce populations of unvaccinated pets.

The Health Department continues to offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year. Residents can visit durham.ca/Rabies to check for updates or to access additional information. Anyone needing to report a bite or scratch can call 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or submit a report online.