Natural Resources
Health and Community Services
February 16, 2015

Public Advisory: Four Animals Identified with Rabies in Labrador

The Department of Natural Resources has identified four animals with rabies in Labrador - a wolf in Labrador City on January 25, a red fox at the IOC site in Labrador City on February 1, a dog in Labrador City on February 10, and a red fox at the Voisey's Bay site on February 11. Final confirmation from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the Voisey's Bay fox is pending.

Further animals are being investigated including a red fox first sighted near Schefferville (Labrador side) on February 6 and euthanized on February 11.

Rabies is seen in Labrador in cycles of uncertain length. 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 situation 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 or scratches. Any significant contact with potentially rabid animals should be reported to public health officials.

For further information regarding rabies education visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies

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Media contacts:

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 02 16                              11:45 a.m.