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December 20, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)


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:

  • Keeping domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, under control (tied up at home, walked on a leash, municipal control of strays)

  • Vaccinating pets against rabies

  • Avoidance of wild animals, particularly foxes and wolves, that are acting strange

  • Reporting to officials (Conservation officers, Veterinarians, Police, Public Health officials) any sightings of strange acting wild or domestic animals

  • Reporting immediately to public health officials any bites or other significant contact with potentially rabid animals

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
Provincial Veterinarian
Department of Forest Resources & Agrifoods
Box 7400
St. John's, NF
A1E 3Y5
(709) 729-6879 (phone)
(709) 729-0055 (fax)

Media contact : Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183.

1999 12 20 2:55 p.m.


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