Leave baby animals alone or risk rabies, warn health officials in Hamilton, Halton

Baby animals might be cute, but they can also be deadly.

That's the warning from theCity of Hamilton as the spring season begins and young animals, especially raccoons which might carry rabies, are on the move.

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The city has seen a "significantrise" in the number of reported animalexposures from people interacting with baby raccoons, prompting a warning about the contagious, viral disease.

There have already been 54 cases of interactions between humans and wildlife, according to a media release from city staff.

Outbreak of raccoon rabies

The city's animal services is also reporting a rise in calls about people playing with or picking up raccoons, something that's described as "particularly concerning" because the area has been dealing with an outbreak of raccoon rabies since 2015.

The health department is reminding residents to avoid all contact with raccoons, skunks and other wild animals.- Dr. JulieEmili, Halton Region Health Department

Raccoons aren't the only creatures residents should try to avoid.

"Wild animals, or even stray or feral cats and dogs may carryrabiesand other diseases that can be transmitted to humans," saidthe release, which advised people to avoid unwanted interactions by getting rid of unsecured compost, garbage or pet food that could attract pests.

The disease is spread through the saliva of an infected animal and causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord. If untreated, it can be fatal.

Don't feed the animals

Hamilton isn't alone when it comes to worries about rabies people in the HaltonRegion are also taking risks with raccoons.

A driver and cyclist reportedly touched two raccoons found on Brant Street and Upper Middle Road in Burlington around 7 p.m. on May 12.

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Health department staff have managed to contact the driver, but haven't found the cyclist and are asking them to contact a doctor right away.

"Nineteenpositive test results were reported in wild animals inHaltonregion in 2017," said Dr. Julie Emili, Associate Medical Officer of Health for the region. "The health department is reminding residents to avoid all contact with raccoons, skunks and other wild animals, including touching, handling, feeding or relocating them."

A final word of warning

Anyone who spots a sick or wounded animal is asked to call the city'sAnimal Services at 905-546-2489.

If you are bit or scratched and believe you've been exposed to rabies, callPublic Health Services at 905-546-2489.

"Do not attempt to handle the animals," warnedthe Hamilton,"even if they are cute."

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