Rabies is a sickness that is spread through the saliva of animals. It affects an animal’s brain, making them sick and die. Humans can also become sick and die from rabies.
You should report animal bites and scratches to Southwestern Public Health (SWPH). We protect people from rabies by investigating when someone has been bitten or scratched. We also provide the rabies vaccine to doctors.
Post exposure rabies treatment
The rabies treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. It is a series of needles that your doctor will give to you at their office over a period of time. Learn more about the rabies treatment from the Ministry of Health.
SWPH does not cover the cost or supply the vaccine for people who have not been bitten or scratched by an animal.
Post exposure vaccine and RIG administration form for physicians
The post exposure vaccine and RIG administration form will help you track rabies vaccine administration.
Protect against rabies
- Be familiar with the signs of rabies in your pets and wild animals
- Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date
- Keep pets indoors at night
- 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 or dead animals
- Do not approach animals behaving oddly or aggressively
Signs that an animal has rabies
- Some animals may go into isolated place
- Wild animals may lose their fear of humans
- Animals that come out at night may be seen during the day
- There may be signs of weakness like a drooping head, weak legs or sagging jaw
- Animals may attack objects, humans or other animals
- They may chew and bite their own limbs
- They may be angry at time and then very quiet
Rabies can be found in the saliva of an animal days before they show any signs or symptoms. However, all animals that have rabies will eventually show signs and die of the sickness.
Learn more about rabies
- Rabies – Government of Ontario
- Rabies Prevention and Control Protocol, 2020 – Ontario Ministry of Health
- Rabies Response Program – Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)