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Natural Resources
Health and Community Services
January 27, 2012

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 

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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 27                       3:40 p.m.

 
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