Fox in Hopedale tested positive for rabies

Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, confirmed today a red fox that attacked a number of dogs in Hopedale, Labrador on February 18 has tested positive for rabies. The fox was shot and underwent testing at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency rabies laboratory in Ottawa. The attacked dogs have been euthanised to eliminate the threat of spreading the disease.

Dr. Whitney said Labrador residents are advised to be watchful for the occurrence of this disease in their area. Sightings of wild animals acting in a strange manner, particularly foxes and wolves, should be reported to local conservation officers or police.

"Communities are reminded to assure that dog populations are managed to eliminate strays and that domestic animals are kept under control," added Dr. Whitney. "Anyone coming in contact with a potentially rabid animal should immediately contact their local public health nurse, physician or other community health representative."

Rabies is known to exist in Labrador appearing in a four year cycle. Usually the outbreaks affect every community in the region before dying out in the summer or early fall. The last confirmed rabies case was in a wolf in Nain in November 2000. Previous to that, an outbreak occurred in 1996.

More information on rabies can be found at the following website (www.gov.nl.ca/agric) or by contacting the following:

Dr. Hugh Whitney
Provincial Veterinarian
Dept. of Forest Resources & Agrifoods
(709) 729-6879
hughwhitney@mail.gov.nf.ca

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, (709) 729-6183.

2001 02 26                                            1:30 p.m.