Point Infection Control

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June 6, 2007

POINT INFECTION CONTROL

What happens when a case of raccoon rabies is confirmed in Ontario?

When a case of raccoon rabies is confirmed in Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources staff implement a point infection control program near the point of discovery, in an effort to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading to the rest of Ontario’s raccoons and other mammals. The program will be modified if a case occurs in an area where raccoons have been recently vaccinated against rabies i.e. in the Niagara Region and near the bridge border crossings along the St. Lawrence River.

How does the point infection control program work?

In urban areas, the program may involve humanely euthanizing raccoons and skunks within a two-kilometer radius of the confirmed case. Within a further two-kilometer area, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and feral cats will be vaccinated in order to create a buffer zone of inoculated animals.

In rural areas, all raccoons and skunks within a radius of five kilometers may be humanely euthanized, and those within a further five-kilometer radius will be trapped, vaccinated and released (TVR). Outside of the TVR zone, there will be additional distribution of vaccine baits.

The difference in area relates to how far the raccoons are likely to travel within a given period. Urban raccoons inhabit a much smaller territory than raccoons living in less populated areas.

The programs are flexible depending upon the intensity of other rabies control efforts in the immediate area. Each new case is assessed on an individual basis to determine whether a PIC should be modified. If a new case occurs in an area which has recently been treated for raccoon rabies, the PIC will be modified and animals will not be euthanized unless they appear or behave abnormally.

Why is it necessary to humanely euthanize some animals?

Rabies incubates for some time. Infected animals may not show symptoms of the disease for weeks. By the time a case of raccoon rabies is confirmed, the disease likely has taken hold in the area and vaccination may no longer be an effective control in the immediate area.

By humanely euthanizing raccoons and skunks in the area where a case is confirmed – as they could be infected – and by vaccinating the surrounding population, the chance of eliminating the disease and preventing it from spreading is increased significantly.

How does the vaccination program work?

With the assistance of local trappers hired for their expertise, the Ministry of Natural Resources will set out live-trap cages to catch raccoons and skunks without harming them. Cages are checked within 24 hours and trapped raccoons, skunks, foxes, and feral cats are vaccinated. They are also marked with ear tags for identification purposes, and released at the point of capture.

What role will the public play in this process?

The public can follow the same preventive measures that are successful against any strain of rabies. You should have your pets vaccinated, warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals, and report any animal that behaves strangely to your local humane society or police department.

If you travel across a region known to have raccoon rabies, raccoons have ‘hitched a ride’ on trucks and other vehicles. There is a risk that rabies could be spread far into the province this way. Before you begin your trip, or after a roadside stop, make sure that you have not ‘picked up’ or are carrying raccoons in your vehicle.

Keep in mind that, under Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997), it is illegal to keep wildlife in captivity. Within the raccoon rabies high-risk zone (see map at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Rabies/), raccoon rabies vector species (foxes, skunks, or raccoons) must be released no further than one kilometre from the point of capture (although not on private property without landowner’s permission) and within 24 hours. Outside this zone, all raccoon rabies vector species that have been live-trapped or acquired by other means, must be released no further than one kilometre from the point of capture for adults and no further than 15 kilometres for juveniles (although not on private property without landowner’s permission) and within 24 hours.

Contact:

Adam McAllister
Ministry of Natural Resources
(705) 755-1551

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