OAHN Rabies podcast for small animal veterinarians: What do you need to know?

 

This podcast is for small animal veterinarians in Ontario.  Today we interview Dr. Maureen Anderson, DACVIM, and the lead veterinarian for rabies at OMAFRA.  We tell you what every vet should know about the new regulations and testing in Ontario, and offer a refresher on rabies as a disease.

 Resources for rabies: 

 

·         https://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/rabies (includes an excellent Q&A sheet)

·         http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/general/facts/info_rabies.htm (includes signs of rabies in livestock)

·         http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/info_rabies.htm (slightly older (2001) specific to rabies in horses, but covers other facts as well)

·         Worms and Germs Blog (www.wormsandgermsblog.com) includes lots of posts on rabies cases in the media, as well as an info sheet for owners

 

**Updated information: At time of publication of the original podcast, this information was not public.  The OAVT has entered into a contract with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) to assist in animal specimen collection and submission for testing on behalf of Public Health Units in the Province of Ontario. RVTs are invited to put their skills to work by becoming a member of the Rabies Response Program (RRP) team!  Remuneration is provided.  NOTE: The OAVT RRP is specifically for the use of the Public Health Units to facilitate testing in cases of potential human exposure to rabies.  Veterinarians and the public cannot call the RRP directly.  Cases of potential domestic animal exposure to rabies should continue to be reported to OMAFRA, and OMAFRA will work with local veterinary staff to manage these cases and facilitate testing when necessary.

 

RVTs interested in more information on the OAVT RRP can call 1-844-872-2437 or email RRP@oavt.org.

Veterinary clinics interested in more information on working with OMAFRA in cases of domestic animal rabies exposure are invited to contact Dr. Maureen Anderson at maureen.e.c.anderson@ontario.ca or Dr. Michelle Brown at michelle.brown@ontario.ca