SASKATOON – The Government of Saskatchewan announced on Tuesday its taking the reins in protecting the province from rabies.
Saskatchewan has officially assumed responsibility from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for rabies programming in the province and created the Rabies Response Program for $500,000.
Under the new program, private veterinarians will test suspect animals for rabies across the province and handle any follow-up activities in the event of a positive result.
“The Rabies Response Program will provide farmers and ranchers with the support they need if their animals are exposed to rabies,” said Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister.
Positive rabies cases in animals have been in decline over the last few years in the province, with only 13 in 2013. There were 116 in Canada last year.
“While the incidence of rabies in Saskatchewan is low, it is important to have a program in place to help producers who may have a suspect or confirmed case,” said Stewart.
According to the CFIA, rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans.
Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal.
Public health departments can administer post-exposure prophylaxis immediately following infection. Vaccination is recommended for people involved in high-risk occupations.
Animals that most often transmit rabies in Canada are bats, foxes, skunks and raccoons. It is primarily transmitted through bite wounds.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will continue to treat human exposure to potential rabies cases.
The province’s rabies hotline can be reached at 1-844-772-2437 or by emailing RRAV@gov.sk.ca.
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