Potential rabies outbreak: Labrador January-February 2000 Rabies is a disease of wild animals, predominantly foxes, that occurs on a cyclic basis in Labrador. Once in recent memory (1988) it also came onto the island of Newfoundland by way of ice floes from further north. As rabies commonly occurs on a four year cycle, following the natural cycles in the density of the fox population, and as we had outbreaks in the years 1988, 1992 and 1996, it is prudent to anticipate another outbreak in early 2000. Residents and officials of Labrador are advised to anticipate this outbreak and to act accordingly. This includes:
Due to the importance of rabies, it is considered a "Named Disease" under the federal Health of Animals Act. As such, all suspect cases must be reported. Individuals wishing more information on this disease can look up our departmental website (Rabies menu page: www.gov.nl.ca//www.gov.nl.ca/agric/her&rab/rabiesfront.htm) or contact the following: Dr. Hugh Whitney Media contact : Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183. 1999 12 20 2:55 p.m. |
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