World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is a day to elevate facts, dispel myths, and unite as a community in promoting preventative care for this serious disease. Toronto Humane Society is proud to offer accessible, preventative wellness services to families in need, including rabies vaccines. Learn more about what we offer here.

The theme of this year’s World Rabies Day is around the importance of fact-based information, treatments, and the dangers of misinformation.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease which attacks the central nervous system, causing severely distressing neurological symptoms and, eventually, death. According to the OVMA, rabies is one of the deadliest diseases on earth, with a 99.9 per cent fatality rate.

How is it spread?

It is spread to humans or animals through bites or scratches with saliva or tissue from the nervous system. It can be spread to humans from a wild animal, such as a bat or a raccoon, or from domesticated animals, such as dogs or cats.

How is it treated?

The CVMA recommends first washing the wound or saliva-exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. Then seeking medical attention immediately to decrease the chance of infection. A person that has been exposed to rabies is given post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

While rabies is vaccine-preventable, there is currently no treatment once clinical symptoms appear. That means treatment must be provided either before with preventative care, or immediately after suspected contact.

In Ontario, dogs and cats over 3 months old must have a current Certificate of Vaccination. Rabies vaccinations protect your pet for one to three years, depending on the vaccine used. Talk to your veterinarian about the vaccine that’s best for your pet.

Preventative Wellness Services

We’re able to offer accessible veterinary care options like this thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada. Learn more about our services or book a consultation with us here.

For reliable, fact-based resources  on rabies, visit these resources:

• Prevention is the Best Medicine, from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association;
• Rabies Fact Sheet, from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association;
• Learn all about rabies and World Rabies Day, from the World Rabies Alliance;

Talk to your veterinarian about rabies prevention and treatment.