RABIES IN RACOONS

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system of humans and warm-blooded animals. It is spread through the saliva and mucus membranes of an infected animal. Humans and other mammals can become infected through a bite, cut or scratch from an animal with rabies or if the rabies virus comes into contact with the mucus membranes in their mouth, nose or eyes.

Rabies in Raccoons

Raccoon rabies is of concern in Ontario and Quebec because raccoons are very common in these provinces, especially in urban areas. They are not afraid of humans and have learned to live in towns and cities as well as the countryside. Some people like to feed and handle raccoons. This increases the chances of people and pets becoming infected with rabies.

Raccoon rabies is carried in the animal’s saliva, mucus membranes and central nervous system tissue. Because there is no cure for rabies once the symptoms of the disease appear, anyone bitten by an animal must seek medical attention and call the MCA Department of Health.

How to identify infected animals

In Canada, the most common rabies carriers are:

raccoons

skunks

foxes

bats

Rabid Animals may:

be extremely excited

attack objects or other animals

froth at the mouth

bite at anything

How can you keep raccoons out of your home?

Do not feed or provide shelter for raccoons.

Cover up potential entrances, such as uncapped chimneys, loose shingles and openings in attics, roofs and eaves.

Make a raccoon den unlivable. Keep the area brightly lit as raccoons prefer darkness.

Always cover garbage cans and composters. Use a heavy weight to keep the lid in place.

Make sure that bird feeders, especially suet feeders, are on slippery poles or on wires which raccoons cannot climb. (Suet is a popular food for feeding birds, particularly in the winter).

Make sure that all raccoons, including the young ones leave the area before sealing up holes in any part of the building. This is especially important between March and July which is raccoon breeding season.

Block the entrances to a raccoon den once you are that all animals have left. You can use sheet metal.

Repair siding and holes in buildings and use heavy rustproof screening to cover open-air vents or chimneys.

Trim all overhanging tree branches or any other structure that animals might use to get on to the roof of a residence or a detached building.

As raccoons are attracted to lawns and gardens, especially after a rainfall when grubs and larvae are near the surface, deter them from coming by sprinkling pure soap flakes on the lawn and watering thoroughly, or by mixing bone meal in the garden soil. You can also sprinkle diluted tabasco sauce over fruits and vegetables (wash before eating).

For more information on rabies, please call Environmental Health Officer MCA at 613-575-2341 ext. 3226.