In recent months there has been a significant rabies outbreak in Hamilton, Ontario. There have been 59 reported cases of raccoon rabies since December 2015, and there is no sign of the disease slowing down. The province will continue surveillance in the 50-km radius around the reported cases through the spring, and will then determine long-term plans.

In the meantime there are some ways you can protect yourself, your children and your pets from risk of infection. If you find a raccoon or other pest on your property, contact ICE Pest for raccoon removal. Whether you live in Etobicoke, Toronto, Hamilton, or surrounding areas of the GTA, we provide fast and effective service.
A rabies outbreak is no joke. In fact, the disease can be very serious and can spread quickly; therefore it is important that residents are aware of the situation and take all precautions before it gets worse.

Recognizing Rabies in Hamilton & the GTA

Being able to identify the signs of an animal that has rabies will ensure you can protect yourself and call the proper authorities. A raccoon, for instance, may display the following symptoms:

• Convulsing
• Circling
• Tameness
• Unprovoked aggression
• Disoriented or partly paralyzed

Protecting Yourself from Rabies: Avoiding Raccoons

If you do come across a rabid raccoon, take the following steps:
Stay away – Rabies cannot be contracted through contact with the skin, it is only passed on by a bite, scratch or contact with an open wound and the saliva of an infected animal. If you come across an animal that is acting strangely, keep your distance and call our trusted raccoon removal services in Toronto.

Keep an eye on your pets – It is always smart to keep an eye on your pets, but it becomes even more important when there is a higher chance of rabies in your area. Keep your dog on a leash at all times and keep your cat indoors during the nighttime when raccoons are most active. You may also want to invest in rabies vaccines for your pets to prevent the disease from manifesting and spreading if they do come in contact.

Get treated quickly – If you suffer a bite, you will need to get post-exposure treatment as soon as possible. Don’t delay, as the disease progresses fast and can be fatal. You will require two shots of post-exposure treatment when bitten by a rabies-infected raccoon. Even if you do not notice any signs, it is very important that you receive follow-up treatment as a precaution.

Some common signs of rabies if passed onto humans may include:

• Pain at the bite site
• Fever and headache
• Poor appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Onset of depression

Contact ICE for Racoon Removal in Hamilton, Etobicoke & Toronto

If you have raccoons on your property or encounter a rabid animal, don’t delay in calling raccoon removal services. ICE Pest Control can safely remove raccoons and keep you and your family safe. We offer services to residents across Etobicoke, Richmond Hill, Hamilton, and Greater Toronto. With years of experience and dedication to keeping your home and property safe, you can count on our friendly professionals for efficient raccoon removal services.
Contact us today online or by phone at 1-888-439-8376 to find out more about the rabies outbreak in Hamilton or to schedule an appointment