A Rabid Bat Raises Alarm in Grey-Bruce

In a startling development, a big brown bat discovered in Grey-Bruce has tested positive for rabies, prompting urgent public health warnings.

Public Health Alerts the Community

Grey Bruce Public Health issued an advisory on Friday, urging residents to stay alert following potential human exposure to this deadly virus. Rabies, which leads to severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, is almost always fatal once symptoms manifest.

Precautionary Measures Advised

Chimere Okoronkwo, a senior public health manager, emphasized, "Although the risk of rabies locally is still very low, this incident underscores the need to avoid contact with wildlife and to take necessary precautions against animal bites or scratches." This incident marks the first report of animal rabies in the area this year.

Understanding the Threat of Rabies

In a concerning trend, Ontario has seen 91 confirmed cases of wildlife rabies in 2024, predominantly among bats. Grey Bruce Public Health has conducted 722 investigations into possible rabies exposures, with nearly 70% linked to dog bites. Cat-related incidents and human-wildlife interactions also contributed significantly to these figures.

What You Need to Know

Rabies typically spreads through the saliva of infected animals, often via bites or scratches. Common carriers in Ontario include bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. Once symptoms appear, the virus proves nearly 100% fatal. However, timely vaccination can prevent the onset of the disease.

Stay Safe: Essential Tips to Avoid Rabies

To protect yourself and your pets from rabies, consider these crucial recommendations:

- Keep your distance from wild animals and avoid handling them.

- Never feed wild animals.

- Supervise pets and prevent them from interacting with wildlife.

- Ensure your home and yard are wildlife-proof.

- Educate children to steer clear of stray and wild animals.

- Always vaccinate your pets against rabies, as it is required by law in Ontario for dogs, cats, and ferrets over three months old.

Protect Your Home

To keep bats out of your home, ensure to seal all gaps and cracks, particularly those as small as a quarter inch. Installing screens, securing chimneys, and keeping doors closed are effective measures. Be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar dogs and report any suspected rabid animals to the Wildlife Health Information Line.

Stay Informed and Prepared

For more information on rabies and how to report suspicious animal behavior, visit the Ontario government’s Rabies Webpage.