In the spring and Summer Grey Bruce Public Health often receive reports of people being scratched or bitten by wild animals, with raccoons being particularly notable.
As a result, they are urging people to resist the urge to approach, feed, handle or care for wildlife as doing so could pose health risks.
The potential transmission of rabies or other communicable disease from wildlife remains GBPH’s primary concern with such incidents.
Andrew Barton, Senior Public Health Manager says that healthcare & public health response to incidents requires them to expend significant resources in terms of staff time, healthcare providers’ time, potential medical expenses and ER visits.
They urge the public to stay away from animals, don’t feed them, keep your pets away from them, wildlife-proof your home and yard, do not disturb baby animals, don’t trap or transport animals and warn children to do the same.
