Two more cases of rabies confirmed in Labrador

Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today confirmed another two cases of rabies in Labrador. They include a fox that was found dead near Otter Creek on February 19, and a wolf on Kenamu River (12 miles southeast of North West River) on February 25 that was shot by a local trapper after it acted in a strange manner.

Dr. Whitney said these latest cases demonstrate that the disease may occur anywhere in Labrador during an outbreak.

Residents are reminded to:

1) Report all sightings of strange acting or dead animals to your local conservation officer; 

2) Do not handle carcasses of dead animals. If you are a trapper be sure to handle all carcasses with gloves and report any strange looking carcasses to your conservation officers, such as broken teeth, porcupine quills in face, and signs of having bitten itself; 

3) Keep dogs and cats under control and vaccinated; and, 

4) Contact local public health officials in the case of any contact with a potentially rabid animal. This could be a bite or through unintentional handling of a suspect carcass.

Questions regarding any animal-related concerns can be directed to the provincial veterinarian. Questions regarding reports in a local area can be directed to your local conservation officer. All questions pertaining to public health issues should be directed to the local public health office.

For more information, visit the following website: www.gov.nl.ca/agric or contact:

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

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

2001 03 06                                          1:10 p.m.