More raccoons with rabies found in Cayuga

Two more raccoons have tested positive for rabies in Cayuga.

It brings the total number in Haldimand County to seven since the re-emergence of the raccoon strain of rabies was discovered in Ontario in December.

The majority of the province’s 147 cases have been in Hamilton.

So far, 85 raccoons and 48 skunks have tested positive in the city. Hamilton also reported the year’s first case of bat rabies on July 15.

Nearly all human cases of rabies in Canada have been from rabid bat bites. Hamilton has had 11 cases of rabid bats that may have come in contact with people since 2010. None of the seven Haldimand cases involved human contact. Three of the raccoons were from Cayuga, two from the Caledonia area, one from Hagersville and another from the York area.

“With the two most recent raccoons testing positive being found closer to the residential area of Cayuga, it’s important the public understands the situation is not limited to the countryside” says Kris Lutzi, acting program manager for the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit environmental health team.

“We encourage all members of the public to remain aware of the situation, keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, and avoid contact with wildlife, unfamiliar animals and animals acting strangely.”

To report wildlife acting abnormally call 1-888-574-6656. If the animal bites or scratches a person call the health unit immediately at 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623. If the animal comes into contact with a pet, consult a vet and report it at 1-877-424-1300.