Objective:

To maintain the incidence of rabies at zero in the human population.

Requirements and Standards:

1.The board of health shall provide rabies information on an ongoing basis, and promote the vaccination ofcats and dogs against rabies to the community.  These shall be done by:

1. displaying readily available printed educational material to visitors to board of health offices;
2. providing sufficient information for client display or distribution to operators of veterinary practicesand humane society offices; and
3. providing the information through the media.

2.The board of health shall provide rabies information annually to each elementary school.  Board ofhealth staff will assist in the presentation if requested.

3.The board of health shall have a written protocol for the investigation of exposures in accordance withOntario Regulation 557 (Communicable Diseases - General) under the Health Protection and PromotionAct within 24 hours of notification where there is a potential for rabies transmission.

4.The board of health shall ensure that animals which are confined in accordance with Ontario Regulation557 (Communicable Diseases - General) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act are visuallyinspected by qualified board of health staff or a veterinarian after notification and at the end of theisolation period.  Further, that the person having care or custody of the animal is provided rabiesinformation and advised regarding how to contact a board of health rabies investigator should theisolated animal become ill during the isolation period.

5.The board of health shall ensure access to post-exposure anti-rabies treatment in the event of humanexposure to rabies.

6.The board of health shall keep themselves informed about local rabies prevalence in animal species.

7.The board of health shall develop and maintain a Raccoon Rabies Contingency Plan and provide a copyto the Minister of Health when requested.

8.The board of health of a health unit named in Ontario Regulation 567 (Rabies - Immunization) under theHealth Protection and Promotion Act, shall:

1. provide rabies information to the public promoting compulsory rabies vaccination of cats and dogs;and
2. report to the Minister on its promotion activities annually.