You may have read about the recent case of rabies in an individual in Ontario and wondered about the importance of keeping Rabies vaccines up to date in your beloved pets. Rabies is a fatal viral disease which attacks the nervous system of mammals including humans. Vaccination is effective in preventing this disease. Rabies is endemic, or present in low levels in mammals in Ontario, mostly in the bat population. In 2024, 1068 animals have been tested for Rabies in Ontario so far, showing 50 positive cases in bats. In the last several years, positive cases have included more species such as raccoons, skunks, dogs and cats.  

Rabies exposure in our household pets most often happens with accidental contact with a bat through a bite when a curious pet decides to catch the bat. Bat bites are quite small and difficult to see. Any exposure should be reported to your veterinarian and if your pet brings you a bat as a “present” it should be tested for Rabies. Post-exposure vaccination can be effective in helping pets develop immunity or boost existing immunity even if they are overdue. If the resulting exposure is from a Rabies-positive animal then a quarantine period may be required. 

So, how do you protect your household? 

Vaccines for Rabies are required in all pets including dogs, cats and ferrets over 12 weeks of age in Ontario. Usually these are started during the puppy or kitten veterinary visits, then repeated at 1 year of age and every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine.   

Please talk to your veterinarian if you think your pet has been exposed and keep your animals up to date through your veterinary team. If you do not have an existing veterinary relationship, group Rabies vaccine clinics are also locally available.

Keeping you and your pets safe is what we do!

Dr. Kim Anderka BSc DVM 

*This article was originally featured in The Ilderton Villager in September 2024.