The Risk of Rabies
Rabies is a zoonotic virus, which means that it can affect both animals and people. It is also fatal. There is no known cure or treatment for this virus. For these reasons, Rabies vaccines are legally required for all dogs and cats in Canada.
Rabies is endemic in certain parts of Canada and the USA. In Ontario it has been reported in bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Within the past year there has been a surge of reports of Rabies-positive wildlife around Hamilton, which isn't too far from King City!
How would my pet get Rabies?
Rabies is transmitted from the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Pets are at risk of Rabies transmission if they encounter wildlife or fight with other animals (domesticated, feral, or wild animals).
What about my indoor cat?
Even indoor cats are at risk of Rabies, since the most common Rabies vector in Ontario is bats. There have been multiple reports, most recently in September 2018 from Guelph, involving indoor cats found playing with a bat inside the home. In the most recent report from Guelph, the bat was tested and found to be Rabies-positive! So even if your pet never leaves your home, there is still a pathway for him or her to contract the virus.
Why is the Rabies vaccine legally required?
The Rabies vaccine is legally required because of the fatality of the disease in pets and in people. Rabies is relatively easy to prevent but impossible to cure or treat. In other countries in the world, thousands of people die each year from Rabies. For example, in India approximately 25,000 people die each year from contracting Rabies virus from animal bites! In order to register your pet with your local municipality you are required to show proof of an up-to-date Rabies vaccination. If your pet ever bites anyone, Public Health will require you to show proof of an up-to-date Rabies vaccination, otherwise your pet will be quarantined for up to six months.
What is my risk of getting Rabies?
If you are ever bitten by an animal (domesticated, feral, or wild), call your local Public Health unit and report the bite. You should also see a doctor as they will discuss the risk of wound infection and Rabies transmission with you. Domesticated animals with proof of Rabies vaccination (or protective titers) are treated differently than animals without proof of vaccination. If your pet bites someone and he or she is not up to date on their Rabies vaccine then Public Health will require your pet to be quarantined for up to six months! If you have been bitten by a wild or feral animal, Public Health and your doctor will discuss the risk of Rabies with you and potential precautions to take to decrease the risk of spread in your body (post-exposure prophylaxis).
How often does my pet needs a Rabies vaccine?
Puppies should receive their first Rabies vaccine around 4 months of age. That vaccine needs to be boosted one year after administration. After that, the Rabies vaccine is protective for 3 years in dogs.
Kittens should receive their first Rabies vaccine also around 4 months of age. Like dogs, it also needs to be boosted one year after administration. However, in cats we use Purevax vaccines, which are associated with fewer side effects and risks with vaccination but only are protective for one year. Thus your cat's Rabies vaccine should be boosted every year.
For more information on Rabies virus check out this blog from the Ontario Veterinary College's Dr. Scott Weese:
https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/articles/diseases/rabies/