Two potential rabid animals were recently found on Walpole Island First Nation.
The Walpole Island Health Centre sent out a public notice on Monday explaining that a bat tested positive for the deadly virus last week.
"The bat was already dead, so when it was found it was sent in," said Michaella Sarazin, Walpole Island's Community Health Supervisor.
A few days later, a raccoon was killed. The results of its rabies test have not come back at this time, however, Sarazin said it's more likely than not that it tests positive.
"It was not being scared by humans, it was out during the day, and it did attack a dog," she added.
Sarazin didn't have an update on the dog. It should be fine if it was vaccinated or treated immediately after being attacked.
Rabies is nearly 100 per cent fatal when symptoms present in both animals and humans. This includes a fever, headache, discomfort or itching around the bite area, and in some cases a fear of water.
In 2024, there were 91 confirmed cases of rabies in Ontario with all but one being found in bats. The only other positive case came from a human in the County of Brant.
Raccoons getting the disease is much rarer. There have only been 11 positive cases since the start of 2021, with no reported cases popping up in 2024.
The Walpole Island Health Centre is encouraging the public to get their pets vaccinated against rabies, to contact their veterinarian immediately if they believe their pet was exposed to a rabid animal, and to report any stray and aggressive animals to them or police.
