28/09/2025
Today is World Rabies Day! Canadians sometimes think of rabies as "disease of the past." Globally, however, it still kills almost 60,000 people per year. Rabies is almost always fatal; in recorded history less than 20 people are reported to have survived a clinical rabies infection.
There have been 28 human deaths due to rabies in Canada since 1924. This low rate of rabies is due to widespread, ongoing vaccination programs and failure to continue these programs can and will results in a return of the disease.
Bats are the most common carriers of rabies in Canada but rabies can also be found in other wildlife in Ontario (skunks, raccoons, wolves and coyotes).
There is no test for rabies that can be reliably performed on live animals. If rabies is suspected, the biting animal may be tested but this requires euthanasia and brain material testing.
Please do your part and keep your pet up to date on their Rabies vaccine! If your pet is overdue, give us a call and we will happily book an appointment for your cat or dog.
