Released on April 1, 2014
Today, Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced $500,000 for a new Rabies Response Program.“While the incidence of rabies in Saskatchewan is low, it is important to have a program in place to help producers who may have a suspect or confirmed case,” Stewart said. “The Rabies Response Program will provide farmers and ranchers with the support they need if their animals are exposed to rabies.”
As of April 1, the province assumes responsibility of rabies programming from the federal government. Previously, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency managed rabies programming in the province.
Under the Rabies Response Program, private veterinarians across the province will collect samples from suspect animals and submit these for rabies testing under direction of the program’s Rabies Risk Assessment Veterinarian (RRAV). The program will also handle any response and follow-up activities necessary in the event of a positive rabies test result.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will continue to deal with human exposure to potential rabies cases as per their normal procedures.
The number of rabies in animal cases in Saskatchewan has declined in the last few years with 34 in 2011, 24 in 2012 and 13 in 2013.
The Saskatchewan Provincial Rabies Response Program can be reached via the rabies hotline number at 1-844-7-RABIES (1-844-772-2437) or by email at RRAV@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521