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Cow Tests Positive for Rabies in Perth

Friday, 6 July 2018 at 15:14

Members of the Perth District Health Unit are reporting their sixth rabid bovine since 2015.

PERTH COUNTY - A calf in Mornington Ward has tested positive for the rabies virus.

This is the  sixth confirmed case in a bovine in Perth County since 2015. Two skunks have also tested positive during that same time frame.

Public Health Inspector Kara Kestner explains how she thinks the calf became infected.

"The chance of the rabies virus being transmitted to livestock would conceivably be from the bite of a potentially rabid wild animal such as a skunk or a fox."

This specific cow was displaying strange neurological symptoms and tests later found the virus in its brain tissue.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is working with the farmer and the veterinarian in order to implement a Precautionary Confinement Period for all the cattle that were grouped together with the infected one.

Kestner adds there is nothing to worry about if you're planning on enjoying a hamburger this weekend.

"The rabies virus is actually transmitted through saliva and brain or nervous system tissue so only those specific body secretions and tissues can transmit the virus."

You should make sure you pets are up to date on their rabies shots. It is law that all dogs and cats over three months old have to be vaccinated.

Kestner says you could also talk to your vet about vaccinating your livestock. Parents should talk to their kids about staying away from wild animals, pets they don't know or really any animal that's acting strange.

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