Raccoon-strain rabies has spread rapidly in southwestern Ontario and is now seen in the western reaches of the GTA. The outbreak which began late last year near Hamilton has seen 128 cases reported so far, says the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. As a result, the ministry will release as many as a million anti-rabies vaccine packets, or bait, through the Hamilton area. The plan will be complemented by so-called hand-baiting within 50 kilometres of confirmed cases. Another sweep in August and September will aim to vaccinate juvenile animals. The baiting will be done both by hand and by helicopter, and will stretch from parts of western Toronto, Mississauga and Kitchener-Waterloo.
