Health Department reports rabid bat found in Pickering

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department would like to hear from anyone who may have recently had contact with a bat that has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found ill/injured on the property of a private home in the Dixie Rd. and Glenanna Rd. area of Pickering on June 3. The Health Department received confirmation of the positive rabies test result on Aug. 8.

On June 3, a resident noticed the ill/injured bat on their property. The property owner took the bat to the Toronto Wildlife Centre where it was subsequently euthanized and sent to the University of Guelph for testing. Initial tests performed at the University of Guelph laboratory produced inconclusive results, therefore, the bat was then sent to the Canadian Food Inspection laboratory for further tests with results confirmed positive for rabies on Aug. 7. The Health Department received the positive rabies report on Aug. 8.

“As no human exposure had been identified at the time that the bat was first delivered to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, testing may have been delayed as the situation was deemed not urgent,” said Ross MacEachern, Manager, Health Protection with the Health Department. “However, since we’re not sure how long the bat might have been in the area, or if it may have also been in other locations around the neighbourhood, the Health Department would like to speak with anyone who may have had any type of contact with the bat. If we receive calls from individuals indicating that they had contact with this bat, everyone affected will be assessed to determine if there is a need for follow-up treatment. If treatment is required, it will be administered by a health care practitioner.”

Mr. MacEachern noted that it’s important for residents to remember that rabies can be found in bats and other wild animals in the community, therefore, everyone needs to be cautious and avoid all contact with these animals. He also stressed that people need to ensure that their pet dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.

The Health Department encourages everyone to take the following precautions to help protect your family and pets from rabies:

• If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the affected area(s) thoroughly with soap and water and seek further medical attention from a health care provider.
• Immediately notify the Durham Region Health Department to report the bite or scratch.
• Avoid any wild, stray or aggressive animals.
• Do not feed or keep any wild animals, such as raccoons, as pets.
• Do not have any contact with dead or sick animals.
• Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date.
• Keep your pet on a leash when off your property.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the bat that was found in the Pickering area is urged to call the Health Department at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613. If calling after 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or on weekends, please call 1-800-372-1104.

For more information on rabies awareness, please call Durham Region Health Department’s Environmental Help Line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613 or visit durham.ca/rabies.

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For more information, please contact Health Department.