Regina and Weyburn Public Health have been notified that a Regina dog contracted rabies after an extended stay in a rural area near Weyburn.
Public Health investigates all possible rabies cases, and Regina and Weyburn Public Health are investigating this case.
It has been confirmed that the dog contracted rabies in a rural area some distance from Regina. While it is rare that domestic animals contract rabies, it does occur from time to time, usually due to contact with wild animals in rural areas.
“Rabies is present in and around rural Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Lanre Medu, medical health officer for the Weyburn area, noting that last year there were 13 animals which tested positive for rabies in the province. “So it’s present. In cases where there’s human contact, that’s where we take action.”
There is no reason for concern for people or other domestic animals in either Regina or Weyburn due to contact with this particular dog, said public health officials. The diagnosis of rabies was made when the dog was back in Regina, and they investigated to find out where the dog had been.
Dr. Medu said any people who may have had any contact with this dog were contacted and have received treatment for rabies, and he noted there have been no other reports of any animals with rabies in the Weyburn area.
Health authorities urge the public to continue to be aware of signs of rabies; please visit our website for more information at www.rqhealth.ca/rabiesinfo. All domestic cats and dogs should be vaccinated against rabies as a precaution.
