With the recent discovery of a rabid bat in Jasper National Park, it’s natural to wonder, 'Do I need to worry?'
With the recent discovery of a rabid bat in Jasper National Park, it’s natural to wonder, 'Do I need to worry?'
While Old Yeller-style images of frothing dogs make us uneasy, it’s still safe to enjoy wildlife areas during vacation season by being watchful, said Chris Sikora, medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone and an adjunct professor in the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health.
“It’s not going to deter me from the outdoors, but it does highlight the need to be aware of your surroundings,” he said. Rabies, a virus that, if left untreated, attacks the brain and central nervous system and leads to death, has been in the wild animal population for centuries, he noted.
“As long as it remains in the wild animal population, it’s just a hazard, not a risk. Not all bats are infected with rabies, not all wild canines. It only becomes a risk when the animal comes in contact with humans.”
Continue reading at University of Alberta.
Image via University of Alberta.
