Public awareness and knowledge are vital to the fight against the spread of rabies. Our goal is to increase public knowledge of the threat rabid bats pose to you, your family and your pet. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system in mammals. It can be spread to humans by their pets, if the pets have been exposed to the saliva of other infected animals. It can also be spread directly to humans through contact with infected wildlife such as raccoons, skunks or foxes.
Rabies is fatal to animals and, if untreated, can be fatal to humans.
Parents are also advised to tell their children not to touch dead or sick animals. Prevention is the key. Homeowners should discourage wild animals from living in their homes or on their properties. All Ontario residents are reminded not to keep wildlife as pets. Not only can it be dangerous, it is also against the law.