Rabies Exposure Investigation: Importance of Risk Assessment, Communication and Application of Best Practices
Lori Holmes and Patrick Landry
Huron Perth Public Health
The presentation will outline a recent rabies investigation involving a horse that led to collaborative risk assessment, risk communication and application of best practices among provincial and federal stakeholders.
Through the animal exposure investigation, public health assessed potential health risks following an exposure to a symptomatic horse at a local farm which subsequently died. Results of the horse were positive and following further assessment by the CFIA, results were deemed as a false positive. False positive results are an extremely rare occurrence in Canada. This investigation highlights the importance of consistent public health interventions, application of critical risk assessment practices and clear risk communication.
