Lambton Public Health says raccoon rabies has been found in southern Ontario and it’s warning pet owners to be aware.

Officals say ten raccoons have tested postivie for the raccoon rabies virus in Hamiliton and Haldiman-Norfolk. This is the first time in ten years rabies have been found in raccoons in the province. So far there have been no reports of the virus in Lambton County.

Lambton Public Health suggests you

Ensure dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies vaccinations

Do not let pets roam free or unsupervised

Do not approach or attempt to pet or capture wild animals

Prevent pets from coming in contact with wild animals

Report all wildlife (e.g. raccoons, skunks, foxes, etc.) exhibiting abnormal behaviour to either local animal control services or directly to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry rabies hotline at 1-888-574-6656

Report all animal bites, scratches and other potential rabies exposures to humans to Lambton Public Health by calling 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839

Report all domestic pets exposed to potentially rabid animals to your local vet and/or the Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs at 1-877-424-1300

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has been involved in dispersing rabies vaccine baits in the affected areas including a 25 km radius around any positive case to help contain any future spread of rabies from the area.