The Grey Bruce Health Unit is reporting a sharp jump in the number of rabid animals in the region this year.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn says there have been eight cases confirmed already and we’re not even through the fall season.
Dr. Lynn says in all of last year there were only five cases.
The confirmed cases this year were found in one bat, two foxes, and five skunks.
Dr. Lynn says there was a double cohort of skunks born this year due to the warm spell we saw in January and that may be part of the reason behind the increase.
Chatsworth Mayor Howard Greig is concerned about the rising numbers.
He believes part of the problem may be that low-cost rabies clinics are no longer offered to the public.
Greig says people aren’t going to pay to bring animals like barn cats to the vet.
Dr. Lynn says the clinics haven’t been available for about five years and there’s no way local vets are going to go back to them.
She says there are many reasons for that, including a record-keeping problem to keep track of which pets have had the three-vaccine and when.
However – Dr. Lynn says the Owen Sound Animal Shelter will be holding a low-cost clinic.
The rabies vaccine will be available for 25 dollars per animal on Sunday October 18th between Noon and 5 PM.
Dr. Lynn also adds that large-animal vets will vaccinate farm animals and the Ministry of Natural Resources is putting out bait for foxes and skunks.