HNHU reminder: pets must be vaccinated against rabies

To The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—The Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit is reminding area residents to vaccinate their pets and avoid contact with wild animals this summer to prevent the spread of the rabies virus.

Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal by a bite or scratch and is fatal if left untreated. Any mammal can be infected by rabies, with raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes being common regional carriers. Pets such as dogs and cats should be vaccinated for rabies at the age of three months, and the vaccination should be kept up to date.