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Natural Resources
Health and Community Services
January 20, 2012

Public Advisory: Fox Confirmed with Rabies in Labrador West

The province’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that a red fox recently killed in Wabush has tested positive for rabies.

Samples from the animal were collected this week and sent to Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratories in Ottawa for testing where they were reported as positive for rabies. This is the first case of rabies reported in Labrador since 2005.

“While the presence of rabies in Labrador is not common, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take precautions when encountering animals acting in a strange or aggressive manner, as well as to take the appropriate steps to help stop the spread of the disease,” said Dr. Hugh Whitney, Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Natural Resources Animal Health Division. “Rabies has been reported in Northern Quebec as well and with the high fox populations reported across Labrador we could see more cases.”

Earlier this month two foxes were put down by officials in Labrador City and Wabush. On January 10, a trapper from Labrador City was bitten by a fox caught in a trap. The trapper is being treated for possible exposure to a rabid animal however that animal tested negative for the disease.

On January 12, a fox in Wabush was put down by officials after it exhibited aggressive behaviour. There was no known human or domestic animal contact in that incident. The fox tested positive for rabies.

Officials with the departments of Natural Resources and Health and Community Services will continue to monitor this and are encouraging residents of Labrador to take the following precautions:

The Provincial Government has rabies education pamphlets available for those seeking additional information at: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies 

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca 

2012 01 20             2:30 p.m.

 
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