Community Releases
Dogs and cats need their shots
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May is when we start spending more time outdoors, and chance encounters with
neighbourhood pets and wild animals increase. It’s also a time when we could come
in contact with rabid animals. We should assume that rabies is always present in our
wildlife and the possibility of a domestic animal becoming infected cannot be
overlooked.
“Cats and dogs in the Sudbury & District Health Unit area must be vaccinated against
rabies and have a current certificate of vaccination to protect both you and your
family,” said Carolyn Legge, an environmental support officer in the Health Unit’s
Environmental Health Division.
In 2009, in the Health Unit’s service area, over 50 per cent of the bites from dogs
occurred to children 10 years of age or younger. Sometimes these dogs are strangers,
but more often they are family pets or the pets of close relatives or friends. Children
can avoid these encounters by following some simple rules when around animals.
Do:
1. Always ask the owner’s permission before touching a pet.
2. Always approach pets slowly and carefully.
3. Stay away from strays and wild animals.
4. Stay calm around animals. Don’t scream. Stand still.
Don’t:
1. Don’t make loud noises around pets.
2. Don’t bother a pet while it is sleeping or eating.
3. Never tease an animal.
4. Never try to help a hurt animal; get an adult to help.
By teaching your child how to behave responsibly around animals, you will reduce
the chance that your child will be bitten, and you will also enhance the relationship
they have with their pet.
In 2009 the Health Unit investigated 260 animal bites or suspect rabid animal
contacts. Human contact occurred in all of the cases and resulted in 44 people being
vaccinated with post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
Rabies is a virus that is fatal if you are infected and do not receive post-exposure
prophylaxis treatment within an acceptable period of time.
If you come in contact with, or are bitten by any animal, immediately wash the
wound with soap and water and get medical attention as soon as possible.
For more information about rabies and rabies prevention, call the Sudbury & District Health
Unit’s Environmental Health Division at (705) 522-9200, ext. 398, toll free 1-866-522-9200,
or visit www.sdhu.com.
