Health Department reports rabid bat found in Whitby

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 in a park near the intersection of McQuay Boulevard and Dundas Street West in Whitby, on Aug. 10. The positive test result on the bat was reported to the Health Department on Oct. 3. This is the third bat that has tested positive for rabies in Durham Region this year.

 On Aug. 10, a resident noticed an ill/injured bat in a park across from 910 Dundas St. W., and delivered the bat to Toronto Wildlife Service. Upon examination, the bat experienced complications and died, and was subsequently 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 Agency laboratory in Ottawa for further tests. Positive test results for rabies were confirmed on Oct. 3. The Health Department received the positive rabies report on Oct. 3.

 “Although no human exposure has been identified at this time, we’re not sure how long the bat may have been in the area or if it may have also been in other locations around the neighbourhood,” said Sendi Struna, Manager, Health Protection with Durham Region Health Department. “Therefore, Health Department staff would like to speak with anyone who may have had any type of contact with the bat. All individuals 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.”

 Ms. Struna also noted that it’s important for residents to remember that rabies can be found in the community and that everyone needs to be cautious and avoid all contact with bats and other wild animals. People also need to ensure that their pet dogs, cats and/or ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.

 Rabies is spread by wild and domestic animals such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, bats, dogs and cats. It can occur in both agricultural areas (livestock) and urban centers throughout Ontario. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of an infected animal before the symptoms of the disease start; this is why it may be difficult to tell if an animal has rabies simply by looking at it.

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 this bat 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. Information is also available at durham.ca/rabies.

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For more information, please contact Health Department.