Fox found in Sop�s Arm tests positive for rabies

Public health and animal health officials from the Departments of Health and Community Services and Forest Resources and Agrifoods today confirmed another rabies case on the Northern Peninsula involving a red fox in Sop�s Arm, White Bay.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney said a wild fox found in Sop�s Arm on the weekend of January 25 was captured and submitted for rabies testing to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Ontario, after it was reported the fox had been acting in a strange manner. The fox was captured by conservation officers with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. This is the fourth case of rabies reported on the Island in recent weeks. Two other red foxes and one domestic cat from the St. Paul�s area on the Northern Peninsula have also tested positive for rabies.

There are also reports that on January 16 another fox in Sop�s Arm was acting in a suspicious manner and that it had been in possible contact with a dog. The animal escaped into the woods before it could be captured by conservation officers. A coyote found dead in the same area is also being tested for the disease.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney says the discovery of rabies outside of the St. Paul�s area will require officials to shift their perspective with respect to the spread of the disease. "This latest case in the Sop�s Arm area indicates that this disease is more widespread than first thought. Discussions will be held today with officials from the various agencies dealing with this problem to establish parameters around an expanded control program."

Residents and officials on the West Coast, the White Bay area and on the Northern Peninsula are advised to:

• Keep domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, under control;
• Vaccinate pets against rabies;
• Avoid wild animals, particularly foxes and coyotes;
• Report to officials (Conservation Officers, Veterinarians, Police, Public Health officials) any sightings of wild or domestic animals acting strangely;
• Wash any bites or other areas of contact with potentially rabid animals immediately with soap and water;
• See your family physician immediately for treatment of any animal bites;
• Report any bites or other significant contact with potentially rabid animals to public health officials immediately.

Additional 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 by contacting 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

Media contacts:
          Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729- 6183
          Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377

2003 01 31                                        2:55 p.m.