Protect yourself against rabies, report wild animal bites

LETHBRIDGE – Albertans are reminded to report any wild animal bites to their physician since wild mammals – such as bats, coyotes, raccoons and skunks – may be rabies carriers.

Stray dogs, cats and ferrets can also carry the rabies virus.

Household pets rarely get rabies because most animals are vaccinated. Pets that stay indoors are very unlikely to get rabies. Each year in Alberta, a number of bats test positive for rabies.

To avoid contact with the rabies virus:

• Have pet dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies. If you aren’t the first owner of your pet, ask for a certificate of rabies vaccination. If no document exists, confirm with the pet’s veterinarian that the pet got the vaccine.
• Avoid contact with stray dogs or cats, especially in rural areas where rabies is a risk.
• Avoid contact with bats.
• Never touch or try to pet or catch a wild or stray animal. Teach children to avoid these animals.
• Secure garbage and other items that attract animals.
• Secure open areas of your home, such as pet doors, chimneys, unscreened windows or any place that wild or stray animals could enter.
• Never handle a dead animal without proper protection. Avoid any contact with its brain tissue.

If bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and contact your local public health office as soon as possible for advice.

You can also call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.8 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

• Public service announcement

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