The rabies outbreak currently spreading through wild animal populations in the area grew even more alarming after a stray cat that scratched and bit three people in Godmanchester became the 13th confirmed case in the Haut-Saint-Laurent since June. There are even more stories circulating about close encounters with wild animals, people being treated preventatively for the virus following an animal bite, and sick pets being taken to the vet for treatment. The fatal virus is at the top of conversation lists, and this is good news because controlling the spread of rabies involves everyone.
The provincial government and local veterinarians are obviously taking this outbreak seriously. Vaccine bait distributions have been taking place throughout the region and information campaigns about the virus are very prominent on social media feeds. Perhaps the most glaring sign that area vets are concerned is the decision by the team at the Ormstown Veterinary Hospital to waive general protocol to jab as many animals as possible with the lifesaving vaccine at a significantly reduced cost over two days.
Dr. Nancy Paquin, who is an associate owner of the OVH, acknowledged that vaccinating animals without a general physical exam is a risk, but it pales in comparison to the elevated chance that pets may encounter a wild animal and become carriers. Owning a dog or cat comes with certain responsibilities, including ensuring that those allowed to roam outside without supervision are properly vaccinated.
The public plays a vital role in keeping rabies at bay. Aside from ensuring vaccinations are up to date, people can help by avoiding wild animals, including those adorable stray kittens, and by quickly reporting any bites. Public participation is also key to identifying and tracking rabid animals. Like an early warning system, citizen flagging of sick, disoriented, aggressive, or dead wildlife allows the government to better understand outbreaks, target areas for vaccination operations, and enforce containment measures like the ones currently in place that forbid the transport and relocation of raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.
Following the rules and staying vigilant will help to keep pets and their humans safe. And please, don’t wait until it is too late to vaccinate the four-legged creatures that share your home.
Sarah Rennie