Alberta Health Advises Caution Around Wildlife During Rabies Awareness Month

Alberta Health has issued an advisory marking June as Rabies Awareness Month, reminding residents to avoid contact with bats and other wildlife that may carry the rabies virus.

According to Alberta Health, rabies can be transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal to both humans and pets. The department states that bats are the most common carriers of rabies in the province. Rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms appear, but the disease can be prevented if treated promptly following exposure.

The advisory recommends that anyone who comes into contact with a bat or suspects that their pet has had contact should seek medical or veterinary advice as soon as possible. Alberta Health also indicates that, if it can be done safely, the animal should be captured for rabies testing.

The department provides further information on rabies prevention and guidance for those who may have been exposed.