4 more cases of raccoon rabies found in Hamilton, baiting plans unchanged
2 cases found in Lower East Hamilton and 2 found in Glanbrook
Four more cases of the raccoon rabies virus have been discovered in Hamilton, bringing the city's total count to 10 in the past few weeks.
The city of Hamilton's rabies page was updated with four additional cases discovered Tuesday. Two cases were found in Lower East Hamilton, while another two were found in Glanbrook.
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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) released a map of the former cases in Hamilton with baiting plans for the next several weeks. That can be seen in full below:
The MNRF said that because these new cases fall near the other discoveries in Hamilton, this will not affect the province's plans for baiting. They've now dropped 220,000 total baits in response to the virus.
The province's manager of wildlife research, Chris Davies, said the ministry was hoping and expecting further discoveries like these so his team could get a control zone in place to prevent the disease from spreading. He cited an outbreak from 1999-2005 where they had a total of 103 cases discovered.
"...We expect additional cases here as well," he said.
The baits released do not pose a threat to pets or animals, said the province. However, the MNRF advised that the public should remain cautious about the virus as they continue to drop baits for the next few weeks. Here is the city's list of recommendations to help minimize risk for residents and pets:
- Report potential exposures due to animal bites or scratches to public health by calling the city at 905-546-2489.
- Wash wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention if you believe you were bitten by or in contact with a sick raccoon.
- If you see other sick raccoons, skunks or other wildlife, report it to the city.
- It is important to vaccinate your pets against rabies, and to keep vaccines up to date.
- Supervise your pets and avoid any contact with wild animals.
- Do not feed or handle and never transport or relocate wildlife.