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NLIS 3 May 26, 2003 (Forest Resources and Agrifoods) (Health and Community Services) More positive rabies cases on Northern Peninsula Provincial veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney reported today that test results have confirmed three more positive rabies cases on the Northern Peninsula. Dr. Whitney said the latest cases involve three red foxes, which were trapped or found as part of the ongoing rabies surveillance program. "This surveillance program continues and involves trapping animals and submitting them for testing. As well, animals that are found dead without suspicion of rabies are submitted for testing. All three new cases are within the area currently known to have the disease. " The details of the latest cases include:
These three new cases brings the total number of known rabies cases in the region to 20 since December 2002. Dr. Whitney added that the dropping of vaccine baits continues on the Northern Peninsula and said that helicopters are now working north of Plum Point and expect baiting to be finished by the end of this month. "The general public is being asked to assist the provincial government in this program by reporting to local conservation officers, all cases of sick or dead animals, in particular foxes and coyotes. It is of critical importance to know if the disease escapes from the existing containment area," said Dr. Whitney. "Emphasis is being placed on the area outside of the southern and eastern limits of the baiting program. We are looking at the area contained within the Burgeo Road from Stephenville Crossing to the cutoff to Red Indian Lake, then following this side-road to the lake, following the lake up to Buchans Junction, then along the road to Badger and finally up to South Brook." (A map of this area can be found on the Web site identified below). Dr. Whitney said contact will also be made with any organizations operating in this area, such as logging companies, recreational facilities or other organizations, to provide them with advice and to ask for their cooperation. Meanwhile, Dr. Whitney continues to advise residents on the Northern Peninsula to continue to follow the recommendations previously circulated:
Health officials are again reminding the public that any bites, scratches, or other areas of contact with wild animal saliva should be washed immediately with soap and water and individuals should then contact their local physician or public health office for further advice. Any other individuals concerned about exposure to any potentially rabid animals should also contact their local physician or public health office. More information on rabies and the province�s eradication program can be found on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/agric or by contacting the following: Dr. Hugh Whitney Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729- 6183 2003 05 26 10:50 a.m. |
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