[fearlessknight]

In January there was a rabies scare regarding potentially infected puppies that were bought at a flea market.

During our last Peel Regional Council Meeting, there was a presentation from our Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mowat, about the impact this rabies investigation had on residents in Peel and our staff.

On November 10, 2007, eight puppies were born. On November 25, the mother got into a fight with a skunk, which resulted in the mother dying on December 12 with suspected rabies.

On December 19 and 26, two of the puppies died. On January 3, four puppies were sold and they do not know how many other dogs they may have mixed with in the vendor's booth and beyond. On January 14 a puppy got ill and then died. It was confirmed to have died from rabies. On January 15, a Yorkie took ill, and then died on January 19.

It is impossible to know the number of puppies that could possibly have come in contact with a rabid puppy from this litter, and many agencies were pulled together to deal with this emergency. Health units from across the GTA; Ministry of Health Long-Term Care, Public Health Division; Animal control, area municipalities; veterinarians; Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Public Health Agency of Canada and the media worked together to find as many puppies and people who may have come into contact with the infected litter.

As you could imagine, the number of puppies being sold throughout the GTA at a flea market with the presence of rabies, make it extremely difficult to find all of the owners. The media was a great help in getting the word out to the general public.

Peel Region was involved and it took many resources from Peel Public Health and others. In Peel alone, more than $400,000 in biologicals (vaccines) was spent. There was a cost to administering the vaccine. Owners had large veterinary bills and there was a cost to the Region of Peel for the overtime incurred by our staff.

As a result, the City of Mississauga has passed a bylaw banning the sale of animals at flea markets.

Constant vigilance is necessary. We all need to vaccinate our dogs and cats and to guard against contact with bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

When an incident like this happens, it requires cooperative efforts of all parties. Our team at the Region of Peel did an outstanding job in reacting to this situation and I would like to commend the staff for their diligence in this investigation.

For the safety and well being of our residents and furry friends, please be vigilant with your pets.
http://www.caledonenterprise.com/lif.../article/45986