The following article can also be found in the May 2025 edition of Biz X Magazine
Every year the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit receives reports about animal bites and scratching incidents to people. In fact, in 2024, there were 1,064 cases reported to the health unit that involved both domestic and wild animals. The health unit follows up on all reported cases to ensure the person who was bit or scratched is not at risk of getting rabies.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. In Canada, bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons are the most common transmitters of the disease.
How is rabies spread?
Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals to humans and other animals primarily by bites. Rabies can also be spread through scratches, exposure to mucous membranes or open skin.
How can you prevent the spread of rabies?
You can reduce the risk of being bitten by following these tips:
- Do not attempt to pet or feed unfamiliar wild or domestic animals
- Do not disturb animals when they are eating, sleeping, or with their young
- Do not attempt to break up an animal fight using your body
- Keep your garbage properly sealed to avoid attracting wild animals
- Teach your children about animal safety
- Seek medical advice before travelling to rabies endemic areas outside of Canada
If you’re a pet owner, keep your pet safe by having them vaccinated against rabies at 3 months of age or older, keeping pets away from wild or stray animals, keeping them on a leash when you’re off your property, and monitoring them when they’re outside. If your pet is attacked by another animal, seek veterinary assistance.
What should you do if you or someone you know has been bitten or scratched by an animal?
- Wash the wound with warm, soapy water for at least 15 minutes
- Go see a health care provider immediately, especially if you were bit or scratched by a wild animal such as a bat.
- Do not attempt to catch a wild animal or provoke it, contact a professional for safe removal.
- Report it to the health unit immediately at 519-258-2146 ext. 4475. If the incident occurs outside of regular business hours, or on a holiday call us at 519-973-4510.
If you’ve been bitten or scratched by a domestic animal, obtain as much information about the animal, such as owners’ name, address, and phone number. This will assist the Public Health Inspector when investigating the animal exposure.
For more information about rabies visit our website www.wechu.org.