the province of Ontario Canada reported the first human case of rabies in almost 60 years this week rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals including humans this video will help provide some information on rabies in Canada and what you should know to stay safe the most frequent carrier of rabies in Canada and Ontario are bats raccoons are a significant source of rabies especially in southern regions found mainly in Eastern Canada including Ontario Quebec and the Atlantic provinces skunks are other common carrier of the rabies virus especially in central Canada Ontario and Manitoba and also parts of western Canada while less common coyotes are also potential carriers seen less frequently but can also carry rabies in some areas particularly in western Canada wild animals like raccoons and skunks often come into contact with people in urban and Suburban areas while they may seem harmless it's crucial to avoid approaching them one of the most important steps in preventing rabies is ensuring your pets are vaccinated dogs cats and even livestock can contract rabies if bidden by an infected animal but regular vaccinations protect them and reduce the risk for your family bats are the most common carrier of rabies in Canada never handle a bat with your bare hands even if it appears injured or dead always wear gloves or contact an animal control expert if you're ever bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal it's critical to seek medical attention immediately rabies vaccines with given soon after exposure can prevent the virus from developing further to protect yourself and your family follow these Key Safety Tips avoid contact with wild animals keep your pets vaccinated don't feed or handle Wildlife teach your children not to approach unfamiliar animals even if they look friendly if you see a wild animal acting strangely such as showing aggression being unafraid of humans or appearing disoriented contact Animal Control immediately these can be signs of rabies by staying informed and taking simple precautions you can protect yourself your love ones and your pets from rabies together we can keep everyone safe thank you for watching we'd love to hear from you please leave a comment or any thoughts you have on rabies in the comments below