NLIS 6
July 20, 2004
(Natural Resources)
(Health and Community Services)

 

Third case of rabies confirmed in Natuashish

Officials with the departments of Natural Resources and Health and Community Services have confirmed a third case of rabies in the Labrador community of Natuashish for this year. The first confirmed case in Natuashish was a fox that appeared to have been killed by local dogs on May 5. The second, on May 28, involved a fox exhibiting abnormal behaviour.

On June 20, a young child was bitten by a rabid dog. The dog was quarantined and died on June 28 as a result of the effects associated with having contracted rabies. Confirmation of the diagnosis was provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency�s laboratory in Ontario. Immunization was provided for the child to prevent transmission of rabies from the infected dog.

"All cases of animal bites in Labrador should be reported immediately to public health officials, so that proper investigation and immunization can be provided if necessary," said Boyd Rowe, Chief Executive Officer with Health Labrador Corporation.

Health officials are also 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.

The provincial veterinarian, Dr. Hugh Whitney, and environmental and other local public health support staff will be visiting Natuashish on Wednesday, July 21, for a town meeting. They will provide education, outline the situation, offer advice on controlling the dog population and offer assistance with vaccinating dogs.

Dr. Whitney said that while there is an expectation there will be high numbers of rabies cases in peak years, there is also a constant threat between these peaks. Residents are encouraged to act responsibly by only keeping animals for which they can properly care and to ensure that animals are not left to roam at large.

"All communities in Labrador should expect that rabies can enter their community at any time," said Dr. Whitney. "It is critical that all communities take measures where possible to implement an active dog control and rabies vaccination program. Without such measures, we can expect to see more cases of dog bites with the potential to lead to a tragic outcome."

Dr. Whitney continues to advise residents in Labrador of the following recommendations:

  • Vaccinate all pets.
  • Control stray animals in communities.
  • Avoid and report all strange-acting animals.
  • Keep pets under control at all times.

The provincial government has recently printed rabies education posters in English, Inuktitut and Innu-aimun. These contain important information related to rabies and can be obtained through local forestry and wildlife, agriculture and public health offices or from the office of the provincial veterinarian.

Media contact:

Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282
Boyd Rowe, CEO, Health Labrador Corporation (709) 897-2000
Dr. Jane MacGillivray, Medical Officer of Health, Health Labrador Corporation (705) 445-6391 or (709) 896-1043

2004 07 20                                        2:40 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement