Signs and symptoms of rabies in animals can include:
The number of wildlife rabies cases in Ontario has decreased by more than 99 per cent since provincial and local rabies control programs began.
The risk of rabies varies globally. In countries where rabies deaths occur in humans (especially Asia and Africa), more than 95 per cent of cases are caused by bites from dogs.
Your risk of being exposed to rabies while travelling to another country depends on several factors such as: your destination, the length of your trip, where you stay, your activities and your access to medical care. Treatment to prevent rabies is available worldwide, but it is often difficult to obtain.
If you are planning to travel:
There are a number of agencies that can provide further assistance with animals:
Contact Toronto Animal Services (416-338-PAWS) regarding stray or domestic animals:
Contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (1-888-574-6656) if there has not been a bite or scratch to a person or other animals and:
Contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (1-888-574-6656) for advice on control options if a wild animal is simply a nuisance or causing damage to your property.
Contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 if a bite or scratch occurs between a suspect animal and livestock or a suspect animal and a domestic animal.
The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) Rabies Response Program (RRP) works towards educating the public about rabies and the importance of prevention through their “Rabies-My Pet’s Protected Campaign.” To learn more about rabies and how it can affect your family, or to find a rabies vaccine clinic near you visit www.mypetsprotected.org
The OAVT RRP also works directly with all of Ontario’s 36 Public Health Units to arrange and complete the collection and shipment of rabies specimens who have had human contact. Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) are trained and contracted to perform this task.