Natural Resources
Health and Community Services
January 29, 2015
Public Advisory: Wolf Diagnosed with Rabies in Labrador West
The Department of Natural Resources has diagnosed a wolf that was recently killed about six kilometres east of Labrador City with rabies.
Samples from the animal have been sent to Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratories in Ottawa for confirmation of the diagnosis. This is the first case of rabies reported in Labrador since July 2014. The last incident in Labrador West was in 2012. Rabies is seen in Labrador in cycles of uncertain length.
On January 25, a wolf was killed by conservation officers with the Department of Natural Resources after it exhibited aggressive behaviour towards snowmobilers. There was no confirmation of any human or domestic animal contact in that incident. However, the public is asked to report to public health officials any contact that may have happened prior to this event.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take precautions when encountering animals acting in a strange or aggressive manner.
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:
- Keep domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, under control;
- Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies;
- Avoid wild animals particularly foxes and wolves;
- Report any sightings of strange-acting wild or domestic animals to conservation officers, wildlife enforcement officers, veterinarians, police or public health officials;
- Wash any bites or other areas of contact with potentially rabid animals immediately with soap and water;
- Immediately go to your health clinic or emergency department for treatment of any animal bites. Any significant contact with potentially rabid animals should be reported to public health officials.
The Provincial Government has rabies education information available for those seeking additional information at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies
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Media contacts:
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Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
2015 01 29 6:15 p.m.