Rabies case confirmed in western Newfoundland

Public health and animal health officials from the Departments of Health and Community Services and Forest Resources and Agrifoods today confirmed a rabies case involving a red fox in western Newfoundland.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney said a wild fox was submitted for rabies testing at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Ontario on December 9 after it attacked a dog in St. Paul�s, near Cow Head. "The fox was killed by a resident of the community and sent to the laboratory for testing, which has just confirmed that the animal was sick with rabies. A second fox, found in the community, is also being collected for rabies testing," said Dr. Whitney.

Dr. Whitney added that no identification of the actual strain of rabies virus (fox or bat) has been received at this time. This case of rabies in western Newfoundland is the first case confirmed on the island since 1989.

"Despite the lack of animal rabies on the island in the past, it is important to avoid any contact with wild animals. Any bites, scratches or other areas of contact with animal saliva should be washed immediately with soap and water. Any individuals concerned about exposure to potentially rabid animals should contact their local physician or public health office," advised Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

1. Keep domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, under control.
2. Vaccinate pets against rabies.
3. Avoid wild animals, particularly foxes and coyotes, that are acting strangely.
4. Report to officials (Conservation Officers, Veterinarians, Police, Public Health officials) any sightings of wild or domestic animals acting strangely.
5. Report any bites or other significant contact with potentially rabid animals to public health officials immediately.

Rabies is a disease of wild animals, predominantly foxes, that occurs on a cyclic basis in Labrador. In recent memory (1988) it also came onto the Island of Newfoundland by way of ice floes from further north, and once in January 1989 a case of bat rabies was found in a fox from Grand Bruit.

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.

More information on this disease can be found on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� website at: 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 and Agrifoods
(709) 729-6879

Dr. Faith Stratton
Chief Medical Officer of Health
Department of Health and Community Services
(709) 729-3430

Mr. Ken Malone
Inspection Manager
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(709) 772-5286

Media contact:

Sonia Glover, Communications, Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729- 6183
Diane Keough, Communications, Department of Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377

2002 12 19                                       1:30 p.m.