MEMO: Rabies Risk and Reporting Animal Bites and Scratches within Niagara Region

TO: Health Care Professionals in Niagara Region

FROM: Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services

REFERENCE: Rabies Risk and Reporting Animal Bites and Scratches within Niagara Region

DATE: August 7, 2024

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including raccoons, bats, dogs, and cats. The rabies virus is transmitted to people through bites, and/or infected saliva that enters an open wound, scratch or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes. Public Health monitors confirmed cases of rabies in Niagara Region, including 8 cases in animals in 2023.

Health care professionals are required to report animal bites or scratches immediately to public health, whether the animal is suspected to be rabid or not, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 557 - Communicable Diseases-General.

To report an animal exposure to public health:

Option 1: Complete the report online.
Option 2: Print the form and fax the completed form back to Public Health at 905-641-4994.
Option 3: Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to report an exposure and ensure a risk assessment is completed and documented.
- After hours and weekends, please call 905-984-3690 or 1-88-552-5579.

Public Health investigates all animal exposures and will follow-up with patients to determine the appropriate response, including recommendations for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis and monitoring an animal’s health status. A common question from patients is what will happen to their pets – it is important to provide reassurance that healthy animals will not be removed from their owners. Please note that a Niagara Region Public Health Inspector (PHI) may contact healthcare professionals to collect additional information.

If the animal can be located: A PHI will confine the animal to check for symptoms. Healthy animals will not be removed from their owner.
If the animal cannot be located: A PHI may recommend the patient schedule another visit with a healthcare provider to discuss their initial exposure, considering the inability to monitor the animal.

More Information

If you have questions regarding rabies risk assessments and investigations, or recommended follow-up, please contact a Niagara Region PHI:
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590
- After hours and on weekends: call 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579
Visit our rabies webpage