|
NLIS 4 March 27, 2003 (Forest Resources and Agrifoods) (Health and Community Services) Update on rabies eradication program Provincial veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney today provided an update on the status of the province�s rabies eradication program. Dr. Whitney confirmed that two more red foxes have tested positive for rabies and also advised that the first phase of the vaccine baiting program has been completed. "We were recently advised that a red fox shot near St. Paul�s- Big Pond on February 8 and a second one found dead in Sop�s Arm on February 21 have now been confirmed as the fifth and sixth cases of rabies on the Northern Peninsula," said Dr. Whitney. "As these were discovered within the known limits of the disease, they do not add any further information on the disease�s movement." Dr. Whitney also stated that the first phase of vaccine baiting on the Northern Peninsula has been completed, which included a total of 73,500 vaccine baits dropped by helicopters around the communities of St. Paul�s and Jackson�s Arm and across the southern boundary of the control zone. "Some vaccine bait is being held in storage in case other communities are identified with this disease that require intensive baiting as well. With the recent confirmed case from Sop�s Arm, we are now planning to drop some of the stored bait around this community," said Dr. Whitney. "A further order of 568,000 vaccine baits has been made that will be available for May when the remainder of the Northern Peninsula will be treated. " He said surveillance efforts continue as well. Close to 200 carcasses of foxes, coyotes and lynx, as well as a small number of cats, dogs, moose and caribou have been received and are in varying stages of sampling and testing. Dr. Whitney reminded the public to continue their cooperation with the rabies eradication program, including: - having all pets vaccinated and kept under control, - removing unwanted stray cats and dogs from communities, - reporting all suspect live and dead animals to conservation officers, - submitting trapped fox and coyote carcasses for payment under the specimen reward program. Dr. Whitney added, "As spring approaches and snow melts, carcasses of animals that died of rabies will start to emerge from the snow. It will be very important for us to collect these animals for testing. Therefore, the public is asked to report any such carcasses to their local conservation officers. Indeed, it is only with the cooperation of the public that we can succeed in eliminating this disease." Meanwhile, health officials are again reminding the public that 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. More information on rabies and the eradication program can be found on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� website www.gov.nl.ca/agric at or by contacting the following:
Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications,Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729- 6183. 2003 03 27 2:25 p.m. |
||
|
