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More reported animal bites, but no rabies cases last year by Bob Mitchell Special to the Beaver 13 | Thursday, March 26, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Animal bites and scratches continue to increase in Halton, but the good news is that none of the incidents last year resulted in any victims being infected with rabies. Altogether, 1,017 bites and scratches were reported in 2014, up from the 928 in 2013, according to a report presented to Halton Region's Health and Social Services Committee this week. Burlington led the way with 426 incidents, followed by Oakville with 344. Halton Hills reported 117 while Milton had 100. Another 30 incidents involved events that occurred outside of the region, but were still reported to Halton officials. More than half of the reported cases -- 579 -- involved dogs while cats accounted for 334. Altogether, 30 people were bitten or scratched by bats, with 74 other animals involved in the remainder. Rabies is an infectious disease of the central nervous system. Rabies is virtually 100 per cent fatal once the disease produces symptoms in humans, but immunization before exposure, or after exposure but before symptom onset, is usually effective in preventing disease, health officials say. The rabies virus is concentrated in the saliva, mucous membranes and central nervous tissue of infected (rabid) animals. It can be transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch, or when the rabies virus comes in contact with mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes. Over the past six years, there has been a steady increase in reported incidents -- a 43 per cent increase -- since 2009 when there were 712 incidents. For your memories. For always. Mature gardens. Stately mausoleum. Tranquil cremation paths. Choose your special way to preserve precious memories in the timeless beauty of Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery. At a time of need or when planning ahead, call: 905-257-1100 Look for us on Facebook glenoaks.ca Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery by Arbor Memorial 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.), Miss./Oakville, ON Arbor Memorial Inc. Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.