by Sos Wildlife Control | Feb 26, 2018 | Animal Control
In 2017, a huge number of cases of rabies, 149 to be specific, were recorded in Ontario. Even though it has decreased to almost half the number it was in 2016, it is more than what was reported during the six-year span from 2010 to 2015.
During the last year, rabies virus was found in 20 bats, 37 skunks, one red fox, one cat, four cows, and 86 raccoons, making up the majority.
It was noted that rabies cases were maximum during the summer and spring months. However, the rate of diagnosis was almost constant throughout the year, with 10 cases reported in the month of December alone – five in skunks and five in raccoons. Most of these cases were spotted in and around the Hamilton region, one in Brant County being an exception.
Hamilton has been a been a victim time and again with the area being the target of rabies virus outbreak in December, as well as, in the year 2015. It was, later on, discovered that the reason for the outbreak in December 2015 was the fight in an animal control van between a raccoon and two dogs. It was also determined that the raccoon had somehow contracted the virus in Big Apple, i.e., the New York state initially.
It was found that a maximum number (nine) of December cases were tied to this outbreak and one in the Brant County region.
The tenth case of December was linked back to a separate incident involving a fox. This was diagnosed in animals between the areas of Huron County and Waterloo. It was further tied to an animal in Blyth region.
The 14 cases of rabies from the fox were confirmed as a part of that breakout. On the other hand, the upsurge in rabies virus in the Hamilton region due to raccoon reached around 385 animals.
The fact that, there had been no more than 50 confirmed cases since the year 2008 in Ontario, prior to this outbreak, definitely cannot be ignored.
Hence, it is advisable to be very alert and careful while dealing with such rabies-transmitting wild animals. Better yet, you should get in touch with a professional to deal with such incidents to avoid any mishaps.
SOS Wildlife Control provides wildlife removal and pest control services in Toronto and the surrounding GTA to all kinds of clients; residential, industrial and commercial. With years of experience in dealing with all kinds of wild animals, our certified and experienced technicians will make sure that all your pest-related problems are taken care of adequately in a hassle-free and timely manner.
So, do not wait till the problem gets worse and get in touch with us immediately. You can call us at 647-994-9453. We are available 24*7 for you.
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jun 23, 2016 | Pest Control
As of this week, it is officially Summer and with summer comes a multitude of outdoor activities to enjoy, for both you and your pets! Our four legged friends are coming out with us to enjoy warmer weather in parks, campgrounds, forests or even our own backyard. It’s all fun and games but we need to keep in the mind the possible pest infestations and well-being of our hairy best friends (not you, tom).
Dogs and cats are both susceptible to catching all sorts of terrible diseases that can seriously harm them if not taken care of seriously and being outdoor increases these chances. Encounters with pests and wild animals like raccoons and skunks who care capable of transmitting diseases puts your pets at risk.
Here are some of the things to be aware of:
Diseases Your Pets Can Catch from Pests
Aside from physical altercations between wild and domestic animals, there are a number of diseases that your cat or dog can catch from them too. When the doors are open, or when the dog or cat is out, be weary of these.
Roundworms:
Roundworms can be deadly and are sometimes difficult to spot which is why it is very dangerous. Pets are infected when they lick their coat after having rolled around in the soil. When wildlife becomes infected with roundworm, the roundworm lays eggs in the stomach of the wild animal who later excretes it in the soil. When this same soil is ingested, that new animal becomes the host of roundworm. In some cases, roundworm can appear minimal and tame, but in worst case scenarios, the cyst formed from roundworm can be present in the eyes/brain which could cause serious damage.
Rabies:
Rabies isn’t something new to worry about, as the concern has always been around, but it’s definitely something to worry about. Through animals and humans, transmittal occurs when bitten by an infected animal. It is not spread by urine, blood or defecation but through the saliva of the infected animal. When bit, the virus affects the nervous system and eventually spinal cord which could infect the brain which leads to death. Rabies are commonly spread through wildlife like skunks and raccoons, animals who both populate many regions on Ontario, such as Toronto, Markham, Mississauga.
Distemper:
Distemper is a common disease which unfortunately takes the life of many dogs. Symptoms of distemper include diarrhea, vomiting and the infected dog will become tired and lethargic. With distemper, the spinal cord as well as the brain can become infected which greatly increases the chance of fatality. It is contagious and is acquired when vaccines aren’t given or they are ineffective.
Tapeworm:
Tapeworm is transmitted through the ingestion of defecation from an infected animal or through meat that is infected. It occurs when the egg tapeworm is swallowed and ends up in the digestive track and can form cysts in organs throughout the body.
There are many other diseases that can affect your pet, so it is important to stay aware and informed to keep them safe and sound.
How to Protect your pets from the effects of pest
The best way to protect your pets from the effects of pests is number 1, to ensure that they are vaccinated for everything they need to be vaccinated for and that they are all up-to-date.
Always monitor your pet’s behavior for any unusual activity that seem alarming. Get tests done and check with your vet especially if you have recently been outside with your dog and they are behaving this way. Doing this can help identify any existing health concerns that should be taken care of, sooner than later. If done later it may be more complicated or even impossible to treat which is why it is better to take precautions beforehand.
Keep your pets away from areas populated with wildlife animals especially raccoons and skunks. These animals are more likely than others capable of transmitting an infectious disease to your pet that could seriously compromise their health. When you take your pets outdoors, avoid tall grassy areas especially with nearby water sources where there could easily be pests and wildlife nearby.
By wildlife proofing your property, you can help decrease raccoon/skunk encounters. Doing this minimizes the risk of your pet getting too close and getting harmed by infected wildlife on your property.
How SOS Wildlife Can make your home pest free
Ensuring that your property is wildlife free, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated. Our technicians are experienced, knowledgeable, professional and humane. An SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated technician can help you by proofing your home helping eliminate the possibility of wildlife intrusion.
For wildlife prevention, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated We conduct safe and humane solutions for your wildlife and pest control problems. Help keep your furry four-legged friend safe by reducing the risk of wildlife intrusions on your property and call an expert wildlife technician. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait, call us, and we’ll schedule you in for an appointment for a thorough inspection to help identify wildlife access points and personalized wildlife prevention solutions.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated 1-800-981-0330 for Wildlife Prevention!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jan 18, 2016 | Bat Control
Last Updated: June 2016
Wildlife removal always comes with the concern for rabies- a serious virus that presents itself in mammals and is transferred through the saliva of the animal. While not all animals carry the virus, it only takes one case of being bitten to turn into a bad situation. For this reason, it is important to be well educated of the effects, the symptoms, how to avoid it and the types of animals who are likely to carry it. Rabid bats are one of the more common types of cases that occur in Ontario. While there are other animals in Ontario who are known to have carried the virus such as raccoons, skunks and foxes, rabid bats are also more difficult to control. When controlling the virus in other species, professionals lace bait with a vaccine that helps protect the mammal from contracting it. Bats, on the other hand are insectivores which makes the process more difficult.
About Rabies
Rabies, also known as the Lyssavirus is a virus that affects mammal on almost every continent with many cases occurring in Asia and Africa. In Ontario the more prevalent types of species who are known to have carried the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. When infected, the virus affects the central nervous system of the brain. This causes the animal to behave unnaturally. Some of the symptoms that occur in animals infected with rabies are the following:
- Symptoms of fever
- Biting at anything
- Vomiting
- Initially behaving tired, slow, lethargic and then very excited
- Acting Aggressive
- Has trouble breathing
- Salivating excessively
Steer clear of animals who are presenting symptoms of rabies and immediately call a professional wildlife removal service to your aid. Definitely do not try to contain the animal yourself whether it is on your property or not.
Rabies are transferred from mammal to mammal through infected saliva in close proximity with eyes and mouth, it is transmitted from bites, scratches or an open wound. The rabies virus is not contracted through contact of unbroken skin, blood or excretions of a rabid animal although it is still best to contact a medical professional if you or your pet comes into contact with either of these as a precaution.
In humans, when somebody has contracted the rabies virus their symptoms are similar to that of a rabid animal along with flu-like symptoms, headaches or weakness, hallucination and insomnia. If you or anybody you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately as death is usually imminent from rabies.
Rabies in the past years have effectively been controlled with the laced bait left out in the wild for animals to find that vaccinates them. Although successful in certain species, unfortunately not all animals were able to be vaccinated in that manner resulting in rabid bats.
Bats and Rabid Bats
There have been several cases of rabid bats as well as bats carrying other disease widespread which is most likely the reason of people placing high caution when it comes to these flying mammals. In 2014, there were 18 reported cases of rabid bats in Ontario. The reason why the number of rabid bats in Ontario is higher than that of other species are due to the fact that it is more difficult to control. As mentioned earlier, vaccinations of other species occurs when animals eat the bait deliberately laid out for them that is laced with the vaccine. This method has been successful in reducing the number of rabies cases in raccoons, skunk and foxes. Unfortunately, due to the fact that bats are insectivores, lacing and baiting their meals are more difficult. Rabid bats will act more aggressive, show a staring expression and may behave disoriented and as a result, have trouble flying. Rabid bats are also not as common as they are made out to be. As a result of the misconception bats are killed and their population has declined significantly. While they do exist, rabid bats are definitely not the only species to spread the disease to other animals or humans. When encountering a rabid bat or any animal with rabies symptoms, do not take the drastic measure of killing or handling the animal yourself. Instead call a wildlife professional for bat removal or a veterinarian to report the incident following any further instructions. Keep your pets safe by getting them vaccinated for rabies and keeping them away from an infected animal before an incident can occur.
If you are injured or have made close contact with wildlife showing signs of rabies immediately wash out the wound with warm water and soap and call for medical help immediately. As soon as possible, report the incident to a veterinarian or a professional wildlife removal technician to handle the animal. If a bat makes an appearance in a child’s room, in a room where somebody has been sleeping or near somebody who is disabled, report the incident. Bat bites are not always noticeable.
If you are concerned with bats entering your home, interacting with your family or near your pets, here are a couple tips for you to use
- Check the house for any holes, spaces or potential entrances where a bat can possibly enter from
- Cover these spaces by patching them up or using screens to prevent the bat from entering
- Keep your eyes open during winter time as bats use this season for hibernation
- Educate yourself and your children about bats and other wildlife. Remind children to not go near any wild animal regardless of whether it is portraying signs of rabies or not
- Vaccinate all your pets
- Ensure that any storage bins, trash, or anywhere that can serve as a habitat or food source for a wild animal is tightly sealed
- Keep this phone number in a place that is easily accessible or seen: Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656.
In the event where you are already hosting a bat on you property or notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior wildlife removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated 1.800.981.0330 for Bat Removal!
by SOS Wildlife Control | Nov 11, 2015 | Uncategorized
Last Updated: May 2016
Although not all raccoons are rabid raccoons, you should still take precaution. Canine distemper affects raccoons, dogs, skunks and other wildlife which is why it is important to stay alert and keep pets away from wild animals. The condition causes the animals to become disoriented, lethargic and even aggressive if cornered. It can cause harmful and potentially permanent effects to the animals’ respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems – and can even be fatal. Animals that survive canine distemper may then suffer from neurological damage. Please keep your dogs safe and have them vaccinated for CDV (Canine Distemper Virus). The virus poses no risk to human health. For Canine Distemper please call Toronto Animal Services at 416-338-7297
Rabid Raccoons Behavior
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals. There are various strains of the virus. With the raccoon strain rabid raccoons may:
- be extremely excited
- more prone to attack or seem aggressive
- froth at the mouth
Raccoons can pick up various strains of rabies, but they are most susceptible to the raccoon strain. Risks to humans are low but you should always get check out if you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon or any wild animal. Once the symptoms show it can be fatal. If the disease is caught early, i.e. exposed people who get treated with a post-exposure vaccine right away can avoid getting sick
Tips to avoid human exposure to rabies
- Stay away from all wild animals, especially if they look sick, distressed or acting abnormal.
- If you see a potential rabid raccoon, keep the animal insight while maintaining a safe distance and report it by calling 311.
- Pets should be vaccinated. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are required by law.
- Always maintain a safe distance from rabid raccoons or any rabid animal.
Read more on rabid raccoons in the official reports of Rabies Cases in Canada.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at 1.800.981.0330 for raccoon control!
Call for Rabid Raccoons call 311
by SOS Wildlife Control | Jul 14, 2015 | Animal Control, Bat Control
Last Updated: May 2016
Recently the Toronto Public Health Services received confirmation of this year’s first positive rabid bat in Hamilton. I am writing this blog regarding rabies in bats, raccoons and other wildlife so you will know what prevention steps to take, learn about the symptoms, steps to take if you are bitten and not to panic!
In Canada, common carriers of rabies are bats, raccoon, skunk and foxes. Recently the most human-rabies cases have been contracted by rabies in bats. Please take precautions around wild animals and use heavy duty gloves if handling them is absolutely necessary. If you require raccoon removal or bat removal it is best to call a professional.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect all mammals including human beings. It is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system causing inflammation of the brain. The virus lives in the saliva of the rabid animal and is contracted by a bite, through an open cut or wound, or if the virus gets near your mouth nose or eyes.
There are several strains presently in Ontario, there are skunk and fox strains, raccoon strains and bats have several strains. The bat strain is known to be the most dangerous to humans, however all rabies are extremely dangerous if not treated immediately. If you get bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, seek treatment immediately from a local physician or hospital.
There are several strains in Ontario, to control this the Ministry of Natural Resource (MNR) distributes baits for wildlife to eat each year. The bait contains a rabies vaccine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This is an oral rabies vaccination. This one vaccine protects against all strains in North America. Within two weeks the animals will be immune to the virus. Unfortunately this method does not apply to bats. Be sure to take the proper precautions when around bats.
The time between exposure to the disease and the onset of symptoms, varies from a few days to several months.
Rabies Symptoms
An animal that has contracted rabies will have flu-like symptoms, severe headache, and fever. Confusion and hallucination begins as the disease sets in. Many times the animals jaw will drop causing them to drool and foam at the mouth.
In humans early symptoms is numbness or itchiness around the bite area, flu like symptoms and headache progressing within days to symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, agitation. As the disease progresses, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and insomnia. It is important to be treated immediately as once symptoms appear death is usually imminent.
Ontario Rabies Hotline number is 1-888-574-6656
Rabies in Raccoons
Raccoons can pick up various strains of rabies, but they are most susceptible to the raccoon strain. Raccoons are generally a nocturnal animal, so if you spot a raccoon exhibiting abnormal behavior especially in the day, be alert and keep your distance. As a precaution, all bites or scratches by raccoons should be considered a possible exposure to the rabies virus. Raccoons may incubate rabies for long periods (months) without becoming ill. They may shed the virus in saliva two weeks prior to showing symptoms. Raccoons are attracted to pet food in your back yard, overfilled bird feeders, leftovers from backyard barbecues and especially garbage bins. Don’t attract raccoons to your property, consider feeding pets indoors, not over filling bird feeders, cleaning up well after BBQ’s and keeping bins securely closed.
Rabies in Bats
Rabid bats accounted for 27 of the 28 rabies cases in 2013. As bats in Canada are insectivores, no efficient way of vaccinating them has yet been found. Globally, bats are considered ‘reservoirs’ (long-term hosts) of a number of viruses, many of which are not harmful and cannot be passed to humans. Bats are not normally aggressive and will avoid contact with humans. This means that there is no risk if you do not handle bats, but if you do, take the safety precautions necessary to minimize your risk.
The rabies virus is transmitted via bite or scratch from an infected animal, or from its saliva coming into contact with your mucous membranes (your eyes, mouth or nose). If you do need to handle bats always wear thick gloves to avoid getting bitten. Not all bats have rabies, but due to the severity of the virus, it is important to take precautions.
It is illegal to kill a bat, they are protected animals
What should you do if your bitten
Wash the bite immediately with soap and warm water. Seek medical attention immediately with your nearest doctor or hospital. Local or state health officials should be consulted to help determine if rabies treatment is needed. As rabies are deadly you or your physician have to contact the local health unit.
How to protect your pets from being infected
Ontario law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies and their shots kept up-to-date. To further protect your pets, keep them indoors at night to limit their exposure, the time when foxes, skunks, bats and raccoons are most active.
If you encounter a rabid animal keep your distance and call the Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656.
Rabies Prevention Tips
The easiest way to decrease your risk of exposure is ensuring that contact with infected wildlife if minimized. Here are some tips on preventing wildlife on your property.
- Do not approach or handle wildlife
- Vaccinate all pets
- Do not feed wild animals
- Do not give wildlife accessto your garbage by securing bins
- Place trash out for pickup on the same day it will be picked up
- Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds and barns
- Cap chimneys with screens
If you have more questions, visit Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources downloadable “Common questions and answers for rabies” PDF.
