Public Health urges the public to leave wildlife alone

July 18, 2013 · 0 Comments

It’s a great time of year to enjoy seeing wildlife in the woods and fields. But if you see a wild animal, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health urges you to leave it alone. You, your family, and your pets are at risk of exposure to rabies and other illnesses when there is contact with a wild animal.

Several different types of animals can become infected with rabies including skunks, raccoons, bats, foxes, dogs, and cats. Rabies can be transmitted to people from a bite or scratch, or when an animal’s saliva gets into an open wound, the mouth, nose, or eyes. Never approach a wild animal, stray cat or dog. Rabies is fatal if you are infected and not treated.

“For your safety, do not feed or handle wildlife,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO. “The best way to protect yourself and your family against rabies is to avoid touching wild animals and unfamiliar domestic animals, and also keep rabies vaccines up-to-date for your pets.”

Recently, an outbreak of distemper in local raccoon populations has caused infected animals to sometimes behave aggressively and lose their fear of humans. Raccoons may appear disoriented and wander around aimlessly during the day or night. While distemper isn’t a danger for people, it can be fatal for your pet if it has not been vaccinated against the virus. Animals infected with distemper may also carry rabies.

If you are bitten or have been in contact with a suspicious animal, wash the wound with soap and water and contact your physician immediately. Report the incident to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 2673 (after hours, on weekends, and holidays, call 1-877-884-8653). For more information about rabies visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca

If a wild animal is injured or in distress, leave it alone and contact your local humane society or animal shelter.