The number of rabies cases in Grey and Bruce is declining.
South Bruce mayor Bill Goetz says rabies cases in the two counties have dropped sharply since a vaccine-bait program to innoculate foxes started a decade ago.
In 1987, there were 275 cases of rabies in Grey and Bruce, compared to fewer than ten last year.
However, Goetz says there is a need for continued prevention programs.
He says rabies kills about 55 thousand people a year world-wide, adding its expensive for those who have to get shots after being exposed to the disease.
In January, almost 400 people received a post rabies exposure vaccine after being exposed to a rabid puppy at a Toronto flea market.
The rabies vaccine cost about one thousand dollars per person.
The puppy was linked to a farm in Perth County, where it’s believed the dog’s mother fought with a rabid skunk before giving birth in December.
Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hazel Lynn recently met with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the issue of easy access to the rabies vaccine.
There are also calls for increased baiting programs for skunks.
