December 23, 2015

 

The City of Toronto is reminding residents to keep a safe distance from raccoons after 10 cases of rabies in raccoons have been confirmed in Hamilton, the first cases in Ontario since 2005. 

Although no cases of rabies in raccoons have been reported in Toronto, residents are advised to do the following:

 

• do not feed or touch wild or stray animals • ensure that pets have up-to-date vaccinations; • keep pets on a leash at all times; • do not leave pets outside unattended; and • prevent contact between pets and wild animals

 

The raccoon population in Ontario is also experiencing elevated incidents of Distemper, a virus that can symptomatically mimic rabies. Distemper is not transmissible to humans. 

 

Toronto Animal Services will pick up sick or injured wildlife.  If residents see animals that are in distress, they should contact 311.

 

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/WhpgV 

 

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

 

 

- 30 -

 

Media contact: Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.