Public Advisory: Second Rabies Case Confirmed in Labrador West
A red fox killed near Labrador City on January 22 has tested positive for rabies. This is the second confirmed case of rabies in Labrador this month.
Samples from the animal were tested at the Department of Natural Resources Animal Health Laboratory and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratories in Ottawa where the result was confirmed. This is the second confirmed case of rabies reported in Labrador since 2005.
“This second confirmation of rabies proves that the virus is active in Labrador West,” said Dr. Hugh Whitney, Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Natural Resources Animal Health Division. “With the high fox populations reported across Labrador we will likely see more cases.”
Officials with the departments of Natural Resources and Health and
Community Services will continue to monitor this and are encouraging
residents of Labrador to be vigilant and to take the following precautions:
A list of all rabies cases in Labrador will be posted on the Provincial Government website at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies
- 30 -
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 27 3:40 p.m.