Bat tests positive for rabies virus in Peel Region

Peel Public Health reminds residents to avoid touching wild or unknown animals.

BRAMPTON, ON (August 11, 2025) - Peel Public Health has confirmed a positive case of rabies found in a bat in Peel Region, by Derry Road and McLaughlin Road in Mississauga.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, primarily via bites, scratches or when saliva contacts mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth. Humans and their pets can become infected if they are in contact with a rabid animal.

Peel Public Health recommends the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• Avoid touching, approaching, or feeding unknown or wild animals, even if they look healthy.
• Ensure pets and livestock are up to date with their rabies vaccinations.
• If you find a bat in your home, call Animal Services at 311. Don’t attempt to remove the bat yourself.
• Stay away from animals that are acting strangely, are injured or are sick.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, speak to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Rabies is preventable through prompt medical care.

If you see a sick or wounded animal, contact Animal Services by calling 311. Do not touch or handle the animal.

While the risk of running into an infected animal and contracting rabies is quite low in Ontario, symptomatic rabies infections in humans are almost always fatal. Prompt medical care with rabies vaccination and antibodies injection can prevent rabies if they are given before symptoms appear.

More information on preventing rabies can be found on Peel Region’s website.