Places that are physically separated from endemic areas, for example England separated by the English Channel from the rest of Europe, have to maintain strict importation regulations to maintain their freedom from rabies. Provinces such as Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador might at first glance qualify but both have had rabies cases reported in the past ten years. The only region in Canada that has not had rabies reported in the past ten years is the Yukon. Canada as a whole would be considered endemic for rabies with the exception of the Yukon. The risk of contacting rabies in the majority of Canada is real (see the table below).
Human Health Risk
Horse Health Risk
If a member of the public can come in contact with your animals (horses, dogs, and cats including barn cats) then you should ensure that your animals are fully protected from rabies. Stray animals, with unknown vaccination histories, should either be vaccinated or be removed from the premises. From an insurance point of view, there are 2 considerations; firstly does my mortality insurance (for the horse) require or expect that rabies vaccination be kept up-to-date and secondly from a liability aspect does the insurance company expect or require that all animals on the premise be protected against rabies. Check with you insurance agent. Rabies vaccination is considered a core vaccine for horses and is recommended unless there is a documented underlying health problem. In pets, rabies vaccination is required by law.
The need to maintain rabies vaccination was emphasized to me a few years ago when a member of the public attending a horse event was severely bitten by a horse through the bars of the stall. Proof of rabies vaccination for the horse was not readily available and caused a serious concern. The horse could have been ordered to be euthanized by the Public Health Department. Therefore, I recommend that you:
Ensure that all horses are vaccinated for rabies annually as part of the core vaccines unless advised (and written) differently by their veterinarian;
Maintain proof of vaccination for all horses e.g., rabies vaccination certificate;
Carry copies of rabies vaccination certificate to all public events along with the negative Coggins test (negative ELISA test for equine infectious anaemia);
Report all animals suspected of being rabid to CFIA immediately;
Report all cases where a human has been bitten by a horse or other animal to the local health unit.
Equine Rabies Cases in Canada by Province and Ontario by County, 2000 – December 31, 2011.
(Compiled from Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. Accessed Feb 2, 2012)
In the period, 1998-2011 there were no rabies cases in the Yukon. Rabies was present at a low prevalence rate in the Atlantic provinces. Everywhere else in Canada rabies is present endemically in the environment.
Prepared By:
Dr. Robert G. Wright, BSc., (Agr.) D.V.M.
Dr. Robert Wright Veterinary Services, Belwood, Ontario
February 2012