Rabies has been found in the Yorkton area. A skunk, discovered in the RM of Orkney within city limits, was officially confirmed to have died from the disease.
Dr. Clarence Bischop, Rabies Risk Assessment Veterinarian, said that the important thing is to keep your pets up to date on their vaccination, and people with horses should also consider getting them vaccinated as well. He recommends contacting your veterinarian for vaccination advice.
What about people? Bischop said that the vaccination is available for people who are likely to encounter wild animals or infected animals, such as veterinarians. However, they do have to pay for such vaccinations.
If someone believes they have been exposed to rabies, there is a list of steps they should take. They need to flush the wound with copious amounts of soap and water, and then visit a doctor immediately, where the doctor will consult with public health about preventative measures. If they were exposed by a pet, they should confine the animal and observe it, while if it was a wild animal, such as a skunk, they need to contact a conservation officer for assistance. In humans exposed to rabies, development of clinical rabies can be prevented through urgent assessment, proper wound management and, if indicated, post exposure vaccination.
What should you do if you encounter an animal that you suspect might be rabid? The first step is to contact animal control. Bischop said that in this area, skunks are often at risk for rabies, and if spotted within the city animal control should be advised.
What does strange behavior mean? According to a fact sheet provided by the Government of Saskatchewan, there are a number of signs that an animal may be infected. Domestic animals might become depressed and hide. Wild animals, however, might lose their fear of humans and become unusually friendly. They may also be found at uncommon times of day, such as a nocturnal animal appearing during daylight. They may have paralysis and difficulty swallowing, become aggressive, or attack other animals.
In general, people should not approach strange animals, and contact authorities to deal with animals that are behaving in a strange manner.
鈥淩abies is always around in this area,鈥� said Bischop.
The Rabies Response Program can be contacted at 1-844-7-RABIES (1-844-772-2437). To report a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, contact a conservation officer by calling 1-800-667-7561.
