TPH seek dog, owner who came into contact with dog that tested positive for rabies
Posted January 25, 2022 4:15 pm.
Last Updated January 25, 2022 7:54 pm.
Toronto Public Health says a dog and its owner came into contact with another dog that has since tested positive for rabies.
The interaction took place on Jan. 12 on Bison Drive and Regatta Crescent, near the intersection of Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West. The city’s public health unit received laboratory confirmation on Jan. 19 that the rabid dog had tested positive.
“TPH is looking to speak with this unidentified owner … to assess their risk of exposure to rabies and, if needed, support preventative treatment. This bull-dog type dog may once have been named “Bulldozer,” but its current name is unknown.”
The dog being sought is black and grey.
Health officials say the rabid dog, a brown mixed Labrador retriever, jumped on and licked the dog and its owner.
“At the time, the rabid dog did not appear sick.”
TPH says it has identified all other dogs and owners who may have come into contact with the rabid dog, adding that individuals that may have been exposed to an animal conducive to the transmission of rabies should be assessed for their risk of exposure.
“It is not always possible to identify rabies without testing,” TPH said. “Transmission and serious illness can be prevented after exposure by immunization with the rabies vaccine. The vaccine is extremely effective but must be administered before symptoms appear.”
