Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that spreads from one animal to another. It can also spread to humans through contact with an infected animal's saliva. This can happen through bites, scratches and licks. Once symptoms appear, the disease is fatal.
Upcoming low-cost rabies vaccination clinics
Rabies investigations
The Health Department investigates all animal bites and scratches to prevent the spread of rabies to humans.
Anyone with information regarding an animal bite involving a human is required to report that information to the Health Department as soon as possible.
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Role of the Health Department |
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Role of pet owners during confinement period |
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Keep your pet confined on your property and away from other people and animals, and bring them indoors at night. Contact the Environmental Help Line to report your pet's death, escape, loss, theft or illness. If your pet's rabies vaccination is not up to date, vaccinate your pet immediately after it has been it is released from confinement by the Health Department. By law, pet owners in Ontario must ensure that their dogs and cats have a current rabies vaccination certificate. They need the certificate at three months old or older. |
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Animal bite reporting |
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Report all animal bites to the Health Department following Ontario R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 557. Anyone who has information about an animal bite or other animal contact that could cause rabies should notify the medical officer for the health department. |
Protect yourself and your pets from rabies
Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and ferrets. Immunization against rabies is required by Ontario Regulation 567/90 Rabies Immunization under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for cats and dogs three months or older.
Rabies in Durham Region infographic
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