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Low-cost rabies clinics return to Simcoe County

September 26, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Low-cost rabies clinics are returning to Simcoe County, amid the first report of a domestically acquired case of rabies in Ontario in five decades.

Veterinarians in the region are offering several low-cost rabies vaccination clinics to help pet owners protect their dogs and cats that are three months old and older from rabies.

Rabies is a preventable but potentially fatal disease.

The rabies virus is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals and poses a threat to both pets and humans.

These clinics will provide an affordable way for pet owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated and safe.

Low-cost rabies clinics are offered annually by local veterinarians who give their time to participate in the program and operate the clinics.

The first clinic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29, in Tottenham. Additional clinics will be taking place in Barrie, Collingwood, Oro-Medonte, and Penetanguishene until Oct. 26.

A schedule of clinics is listed on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website at: smdhu.org/RabiesClinics.

“On Sept. 5, the first domestically acquired human case of rabies was reported in Ontario in over 50 years,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of Health at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “It is suspected that the case was acquired from direct contact with a bat. Although this case occurred outside of Simcoe Muskoka and human cases are exceedingly rare, it is important to remember that rabies is present among bats and wild animals such as raccoons, foxes and skunks who live in and around our communities.

He added, “These animals can pass the disease to our pets who then can pass it to us, so it is vital that cats and dogs, even those who are indoors, be vaccinated against rabies. It is the best way to protect them and the human members of your family.”

One and three-year vaccines are being offered at the rabies clinics depending on the animal’s vaccination status. Pet owners should speak with their veterinarian to determine when their pet is due for its next rabies vaccination.

It helps to bring the previous vaccination certificate to a clinic to make sure you get the vaccine that is best for your pet.

The clinics provide vaccines against rabies to approximately 1,000 pets annually. Anyone unable to attend the limited low-cost locations can contact their local vet to arrange to get their pet vaccinated.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a domestic or wild animal or has been in direct contact with a bat or other animal should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to public health.

In 2023, the Health Unit’s public health inspectors investigated more than 1,600 potential rabies exposure incidents, of which 1,021 involved cats or dogs.

Approximately half of these investigations involved unvaccinated pets.

The best way to protect yourself and your family against rabies is to have your pets vaccinated. It is also the law.

In addition to vaccinating your pet, you can help prevent the spread of rabies by not allowing cats or dogs to roam free and by keeping them indoors at night.

You should also stay away from unfamiliar dogs and cats, as well as all wildlife, including bats.

For information about low-cost rabies clinic times and dates visit smdhu.org/RabiesClinics or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

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