Grey Bruce Public Health is advising that a fourth bat has tested positive for rabies.
The announcement, which was posted on the organization’s Instagram page, comes with an advisory to remain vigilant about the risk of rabies.
Public Health says that while the risk of contracting rabies locally is very low, it’s important to prevent bites and scratches from wild animals.
Human cases of rabies are often from coming into contact with an infected animal. Once the symptoms of rabies appear, it is virtually 100% deadly to people and animals.
While Grey Bruce Public Health says that the animal was found within the region, further information about where it was located is not available.
To prevent contracting rabies:
– Always refrain from touching, petting, or handling wildlife
– Avoid approaching or feeding wild animals
– Keep pets away from wild animals and do not allow them to roam unsupervised, and make sure that your pets have received rabies vaccinations
– Wildlife-proof your homes, cottages, and yards
– Do not disturb baby animals
– Warn children to stay away form wild or stray animals
– Do not trap and transport wildlife to a new location