Bat tests positive for rabies in Woodstock

A bat located in the City of Woodstock has tested positive for rabies. An individual who was exposed to the bat is receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis which will prevent them from contracting the virus.

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through the saliva of animals. It affects an animal’s brain and eventually leads to death. Humans exposed to the virus – usually through a bite or scratch from an infected animal - require treatment to avoid death.

A positive rabies test result serves as a reminder to all community members that rabies is present in our region, and everyone should know what to do if bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal.

“If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, the first step is to wash the wound right away with soap and water. The second step is to seek medical attention. The third step is to report all animal bites to your local public health unit so that we can investigate and assess the risk of rabies transmission,” says Kitty Chan, Program Manager, Environmental Health.

Public health coordinates treatment with post-exposure prophylaxis for everyone bitten by or exposed to a rabid animals.

Protect against rabies:

Vaccinate your pet against the rabies virus

Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date

Keep pets indoors at night

Touch base with your vet if you see any potential wounds on your pet from a fight with wild animals

Teach children to stay away from wild animals and strange dogs and cats

Always ask permission before trying to pet an animal

Supervise children around animals

Do not attempt to touch or feed wild animals

Do not touch sick animals

Do not approach animals behaving oddly or aggressively

Be familiar with the signs of rabies in your pets and wild animals

Community members are also reminded to never handle a bat directly. If you have a bat in your home or have questions about getting rid of a bat in a dwelling, please contact a local wildlife rescue.