08/03/2025
*** another important reason to vaccinate your pets ***
⚠️ Rabid Bat Found in Pembroke – Health Unit Issues Warning ⚠️
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has confirmed that a bat found in Pembroke has tested positive for rabies. This marks the first confirmed case of animal rabies in the region this year.
The bat was submitted for testing following a possible human exposure, and public health officials have since followed up with those involved to ensure they receive appropriate care.
🚨 A Growing Risk
RCDHU notes that human-bat interactions have been increasing in recent weeks, prompting a public advisory for all residents of Renfrew County and District to remain alert.
📊 Since 2021, 33 bats have been submitted for rabies testing in the region — four of them tested positive (12%).
🧠 What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the brain and spinal cord, and is almost always fatal if not treated promptly. While human cases in Canada are rare, rabies is typically transmitted through bites or saliva exposure from infected animals. In Ontario, bats, raccoons, and skunks are the most common carriers.
✅ RCDHU’s Advice to Stay Safe:
• Vaccinate your pets — It’s the law in Ontario for cats, dogs, and ferrets over 3 months old.
• Avoid touching or feeding wild animals — Especially bats, raccoons, and skunks.
• Don’t trap or move wildlife to new locations.
• Warn children about the dangers of wild and stray animals.
• Supervise pets outdoors and prevent them from roaming freely.
• Bat-proof your home or cottage by:
◦ Caulking even small holes (¼ to ½ inch wide),
◦ Sealing chimneys and vents,
◦ Installing door draft guards,
◦ Using steel wool to fill gaps near pipes.
🦇 If You Find a Bat Indoors:
• Isolate it in one room, turn off lights, and open a window — it may leave on its own.
• If it doesn’t, contact a pest control expert to remove it humanely.
• If the bat was in a bedroom, or contact with a child or saliva is suspected, call RCDHU at 613-732-3629 ext. 505 immediately.
🩺 “Bat bites can be extremely small and hard to detect,” warns RCDHU.
🩹 If You’re Bitten or Scratched:
1. Get the animal owner’s contact info (if applicable).
2. Immediately wash the wound with soap and water.
3. Seek medical attention right away.
4. Report the incident to RCDHU at the number above.
RCDHU stresses that rabies vaccines are highly effective — but only if given right after exposure.
📲 More info: www.rcdhu.com
🧪 Rabies testing questions? Call RCDHU: 613-732-3629 ext. 505
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY –Call RCDHU’s Immunization line at 613-732-9436Renfrew Service Hub, located at 120 Plaunt Street South, Renfrew, Ontario.
