Rabies remains a concern in 2025 for residents of Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton, with local experts and homeowners working hard to balance safety and coexistence with wildlife. To fully grasp where we are today, it’s essential to look back at 2016 when a notable outbreak of raccoon rabies gripped the region. This context highlights not only the progress made over the past decade but also the ongoing need for awareness and prevention.

Revisiting the 2016 Rabies Outbreak in Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton

Back in 2016, residents in Haldimand County and Hamilton faced a significant rabies problem. Between January and December of that year, Haldimand County confirmed four cases, while Hamilton reported eleven, marking a clear emergence of the virus in wildlife populations. The outbreak was thought to have started when a raccoon, likely transported by a long-distance vehicle, entered the dense raccoon populations of Hamilton, where densities could range between six to ten raccoons per square kilometre. This environment provided an ideal breeding ground for rabies, leading to widespread concern.

To combat the virus, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry stepped in with an extensive rabies vaccine baiting program. Over 220,000 rabies vaccine baits were distributed across critical areas in Hamilton and surrounding regions. These baits were effective in controlling the outbreak, but as the raccoons entered their denning season during the winter, sightings became rare, reminding homeowners that daytime raccoon activity could indicate rabies but wasn’t always a definitive sign.

Residents were also battling a similar-looking disease in wildlife—distemper. While it could not be transmitted to humans, nearly 90% of “suspicious” animal samples in the region tested positive for distemper rather than rabies. This added another layer of complexity for both wildlife officials and homeowners, complicating diagnoses and responses at a time when fear was growing.

This tumultuous period taught communities the importance of awareness, quick action, and professional intervention to limit the risks rabies poses to both wildlife and homeowners.

Rabies Trends: 2016 vs. 2024  

2016 Snapshot:  

• 200+ raccoon rabies cases were confirmed in 2016 alone, part of Ontario’s largest outbreak since 1999.
• Zero human cases but rising public anxiety over wildlife encounters.  

2024 Status:  

• Raccoon rabies cases: Dropped to **1–2 annually** due to mass oral vaccination efforts (1.6M+ baits distributed since 2016).
• Bat rabies positivity rate: Increased to 16% in Haldimand-Norfolk, up from <10% historically.
• Human impact: A Brant County child died after bat exposure in northern Ontario, underscoring gaps in post-exposure care.  

Progress Since 2016 and Ongoing Challenges in 2024

Wildlife Vaccination Success: 

• Oral vaccine baits eliminated raccoon rabies in urban Hamilton and reduced spillover into skunks and stray cats.
• Enhanced surveillance detected outbreaks early, enabling rapid response.  

Pet Protection:  

• Low-cost clinics vaccinated 472 pets in 2016–2017, with ongoing partnerships ensuring accessible rabies shots.  

Public Awareness:  

• The “Rabies is Real” campaign educated millions on reporting sick animals and vaccinating pets.  

Bat Rabies Resurgence:  

• Bats caused 90% of Ontario’s 2024 rabies cases (50 bat cases confirmed), with Haldimand-Norfolk reporting a 16% positivity rate.
• Bat bites/scratches often go unnoticed due to small teeth, delaying treatment.  

Urban Wildlife Risks:  

• Stray cats and unvaccinated pets remain vulnerable to bat exposure.  

Human Tragedy:  

• The 2024 child fatality highlights the lethal consequences of untreated bat contact.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is 100% effective if administered promptly.

Rabies in 2025: Progress and Remaining Challenges

Fast forward to today, and the Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton regions have seen encouraging successes in reducing rabies incidences. The Ministry of Natural Resources continues its vaccine baiting campaigns, which have notably suppressed outbreaks. But isolated cases still appear, reminding us that the virus, while under control, is far from eradicated.

Hamilton remains a key area of concern due to its thriving raccoon population. These animals, along with skunks and bats, remain the main carriers of rabies in Ontario. For homeowners, encounters with wildlife—whether in urban backyards, attics, or basements—carry the possibility of exposure to rabies. This underlines the importance of vigilance and understanding around how the virus can spread.

The Hidden Threat of Distemper

Like in 2016, distemper continues to cloud the wildlife health landscape. Wildlife affected by distemper often displays behaviour similar to those infected with rabies, such as confusion, movement in circles, and lethargy. While this disease is not transmittable to humans, it poses a risk to unvaccinated pets. This overlap in symptoms is another reason why contacting wildlife professionals when you observe unusual animal behaviour is essential. Professionals can correctly assess the situation and determine if further action is needed, ensuring safety for everyone involved.

Why Rabies Should Stay on Your Radar

Despite ongoing prevention efforts, rabies remains a serious risk in 2025. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal in both humans and animals. This highlights why homeowners in Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton need to stay proactive and informed. Wildlife encounters can occur when you least expect them, and failing to address these interactions safely can lead to serious health consequences.

Potential exposure often occurs through direct contact—such as bites and scratches—but it’s important to note that even indirect contact, like handling an animal’s saliva in an open wound, can be risky. Prompt action and professional support are necessary to mitigate these risks.

Protecting Homeowners With Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been a trusted partner for homeowners since 1989, providing safe and humane solutions to wildlife issues. For those in the Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton regions, our team offers peace of mind by addressing both immediate wildlife problems and long-term prevention. Here’s how we help:

1. Expert Inspections

When you spot signs of wildlife in or around your home, it’s vital to get a professional assessment. Our team conducts thorough inspections to identify the species involved, their entry points, and potential health risks like rabies or distemper.

2. Safe and Humane Removal

We specialize in ethical wildlife removal methods that prioritize the safety of both homeowners and animals. For example, if baby raccoons are found in your attic, we carefully place them into heated baby boxes and reunite them with their parents, ensuring a gentle, stress-free solution.

3. Deep Cleaning Services

Wildlife infestations leave behind contaminants like feces and urine, which can harbour harmful pathogens. After removing animals, we clean and disinfect nesting areas to restore your home and minimize any health risks.

4. Wildlife Exclusion and Prevention

Preventing wildlife re-entry is just as important as removal. Our team seals vulnerabilities in your home, from roof vents to eaves, to stop animals like raccoons, skunks, and bats from returning.

5. Homeowner Education

An informed homeowner is an empowered homeowner. We provide tips to help you maintain a secure property, recognize abnormal animal behaviour, and protect pets with vaccinations.

Affordable Rabies Vaccinations for Pets

While handling wildlife is best left to professionals, homeowners can take preventative steps to protect their pets from rabies. Local veterinary clinics in Haldimand-Norfolk remain committed to affordable vaccination programs, ensuring no pet is left unprotected. Vaccinated pets act as a protective barrier, reducing the overall spread of rabies in the community.

Tips for Preventing Wildlife Encounters

Beyond hiring experts, homeowners in Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton can reduce their exposure to wildlife risks with proactive steps:

• Monitor Outdoor Spaces: Keep a close eye on your pets when they’re outside, particularly during dusk or dawn when wildlife is active.
• Secure Garbage and Food Sources: Use wildlife-proof lids on trash bins and don’t leave pet food outside.
• Inspect Your Home Regularly: Look for openings wildlife could use to sneak in and seal them promptly.
• Report Unusual Behavior: Spot an animal acting strangely? Call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Rabies Hotline for guidance.
• Keep Pets Vaccinated: Ensure vaccinations against both rabies and distemper are up to date.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Rabies may no longer dominate local headlines as it did in 2016, but for those living in Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton, vigilance is just as important as it was back then. Homeowners can protect their families and pets by staying proactive, reporting suspicious wildlife, and relying on professional support when needed.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help you tackle any wildlife problem with safety, compassion, and long-term solutions. Whether you’re dealing with a bat in the attic or a raccoon family in the shed, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and secure your home against wildlife risks.

If you or someone in your household has been bitten, scratched, or had any contact that could result in rabies exposure, it’s essential to act quickly. Immediately report the incident to the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit by calling 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623. If you are located in Hamilton, contact Hamilton Public Health at 905-546-3570 for assistance.

For incidents involving domestic pets that may have been exposed to potentially rabid animals, reach out to your local veterinarian for guidance. You can also contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 for additional support. Taking swift action ensures the safety of your family and pets while addressing potential risks effectively.

Citations:

1. Government of Ontario. “Rabies Cases.” Ontario.ca, Government of Ontario, https://www.ontario.ca/page/rabies-cases. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
2. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. “Rabies Cases in Canada: 2024.” Inspection Canada, https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/rabies/canada/rabies-cases-2024. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
3. Farmers Forum. “Rabies Cases up 60% in Ontario Last Year, and They Were All Bats.” Farmers Forum, https://farmersforum.com/rabies-cases-up-60-in-ontario-last-year-and-they-were-all-bats/. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
4. Radio-Canada International. “Rabies Death in Brantford, Hamilton, Ontario.” ICI Radio-Canada, https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2109563/rabies-death-brantford-hamilton-ontario. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.