Public Health monitoring rabies

Wellington-Dufferin- Guelph Public Health is participating in the investigation regarding a border collie cross pup bought at a flea market that has tested positive for rabies in the Toronto area.

Three pups from the litter were sold at Dr. Flea's, a flea market in west-end Toronto. Anyone who touched or purchased puppies at the flea market since January 5 should call Public Health. These puppies may have been exposed to rabies. There have been no human cases of rabies associated with this investigation.

Rabies is a fatal disease that can be spread from infected animals to people through bites. It can also be spread when saliva from the animal comes into contact with broken skin or the moist tissues of a person's mouth, nose, or eyes. Untreated rabies is fatal in humans.

"By law all dogs and cats, three-months of age and older, must be immunized against rabies." says WDG Public Health program manager, Scott Hutchison. A veterinarian must administer the shots.

All vaccinated pets receive an immunization certificate and a rabies vaccination ID tag. The due date for re-vaccination is on the certificate. "Vaccinating your pets against rabies protects you, your family, and your community." continues Hutchison.

To protect your family and pets from rabies:

• Make sure your pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations;

• Do not let your pets run free in the neighbourhood;

• Keep your pets indoors at night;

• Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don't know, or animals that are acting strangely;

• Always ask permission from a pet owner before trying to pet an animal;

• Purchase animals from reputable sources and always ensure that the mother of the puppies has been vaccinated.

For more information on rabies and immunizing your pet, go to www. wdghu.org.