Saturday, July 8, 2017

Rabid skunk near Elmira

A skunk has tested positive for rabies. It was found in the Wallenstein area west of Elmira.

A rabid fox was found in the same area in May.

"The positive results are a reminder that rabies is present in the Region of Waterloo and that there is a need to take precautions to protect against rabies," the health unit said in a news release.

"The rabies virus (which is almost always fatal) can be carried in the saliva of infected mammals such as foxes, skunk, racoons, bats, dogs and cats,” the health unit said.

“It is normally spread to people or other mammals through a bite, cut or scratch, or contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose and eyes."


Earlier this year a couple of calves in next-door Perth County fell victim to rabies.