Rabies: Blame Canada

Mere months after Canine Rabies has been declared defeated in America, the Canadians have to crash the Rabies Epidemic After-Party.

Officials believe at least 60 people came into contact with a rabid dog on Jan. 3. The infected puppy was being held with 10 to 12 other dogs. They have all been sold and health officials believe they have all been infected with rabies. At least three different breeds are involved. The infected puppy and one other dog in the group have died, Susan Sperling, spokesperson with Toronto Public Health confirmed to CTV.ca.
…
Officials are looking for three border collies, one yorkie cross, a maltese and an unknown breed.

And what could be worse for a Border Collie, famed for their unsurpassed gray matter, than to be infected with Rabies? Not much. And what’s with the image accompanying that CTV article? Nothing says “rabid dog” like a frolicking Border Collie Puppy:

Despite Canine Rabies being eradicated in the United States, there are many forms of rabies, such as bat rabies, that you or your dog might come in contact and be infected with. The term “canine-rabies” designates only a single strain of the virus, named after the species most commonly associated as being a resevoir for that strain. Think of it like Cow Pox and Chicken Pox… the animal component of those names in no way implies that the strain is exclusive to that one host.

Mind you, the dogs in question were being sold at a flea market of all places. Old glass jars, sweat shirts from the 80s, ugly artisan knickknacks, and puppies from a trade that makes pet store puppy mills look angelic. Even though Canada is to the north, they apparently have plenty of hicks.

* * *
Comments and disagreements are welcome, but be sure to read the Comment Policy. If this post made you think and you'd like to read more like it, consider a donation to my 4 Border Collies' Treat and Toy Fund. They'll be glad you did. You can subscribe to the feed or enter your e-mail in the field on the left to receive notice of new content. You can also like BorderWars on Facebook for more frequent musings and curiosities.
* * *