Bat found in Burlington tests positive for rabies - Waterloo Region Record

Halton Region has confirmed that a bat found in Burlington — with no known human contact — has tested positive for rabies on June 9, making it the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Halton this year.

The rabies-infected bat was found in Aldershot, a southwest neighbourhood of Burlington.

Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord and, if untreated before symptoms appear, can lead to death. The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal such as a raccoon, skunk, bat, dog, fox, or other wild animal, usually through a bite or scratch. Rabies illness in humans can be prevented by the use of a rabies vaccine, which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur.

The region says that although rabies in bats is rare, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada over the past several years.

“Bats have small, needlelike teeth, and their bites easily go undetected. If you have been bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately,” the warning reads.

It is not always possible to identify if a bat has rabies. But rabid bats may move slowly, lose the ability to fly, remain active during daylight hours or be unresponsive to loud noises. If you find a bat in your home, do not attempt to move it and contact your local Animal Control Services. To report a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, follow the steps on ontario.ca/rabies.

The region provides these tips to protect against rabies:

• Call animal control services. Do not touch dead or sick animals with bare hands.
• Collect the contact information of the animal’s owner/custodian where applicable (their name, address and phone number).
• Immediately wash all bite or scratch wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention.
• Report all animal bites or scratches to Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
• Educate children to stay away from any wild, stray or aggressive animals.
• Do not touch, feed or move wildlife, including young, sick or injured animals.
• Avoid animals that are behaving strangely.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets.
• Make sure your pet's rabies vaccinations are up to date.
• Keep pet on a leash when off property.
• Have your pet seen by a veterinarian if it has come in contact with a bat or other wild animal.

For more information on rabies, go to halton.ca or call 311.

 

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Bat found in Burlington tests positive for rabies - Waterloo Region Record
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