Outlook

What is the Outlook for Rabies?

The Ontario government will continue to implement the Wildlife Rabies Control Program through the Ministry of Natural Resources' Rabies Research and Development Unit. Ongoing rabies research, monitoring and control efforts will improve understanding of this disease, lessen its effect on wildlife and reduce the threat to the health of pets, domestic animals and humans.

What you can do to help control rabies

• Have your pets vaccinated according to instructions from your veterinarian.
• Do not feed wild animals and warn your children to stay away from wild or stray animals.
• Discourage wild animals from taking up residence in your home (i.e. cover potential entrances such as uncapped chimneys, loose shingles, and openings in attics, roofs and eaves).
• Do not trap and transport wild animals to a new location. It's illegal and you could be spreading diseases.
• Have all dead, sick or easily captured bats that have come in to contact with a human or pet tested for rabies. Do not touch the bat. Contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency for testing.
• If you or a member of your family has been in contact with a potentially rabid animal, immediately contact your local health unit, doctor, or visit your local emergency health care centre.

Information Sources

The information provided in this document is based on data collected for the Wildlife Rabies Control Program, administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and from the diagnosis of rabid animals through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. More detailed technical information on rabies can be found on the Rabies Unit website.

• Rabies in Ontario

• Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - Rabies