Public Advisory: Additional Rabies Cases Confirmed in Foxes in Nain
Press Release
February 11, 2022
The Provincial Government has confirmed three positive rabies cases in foxes in Nain and is awaiting confirmation on four additional suspect cases, including three in Nain and one in Hopedale. Two of the three positive cases in Nain were in Arctic foxes.
Reports of foxes exhibiting unusual behaviour in areas of Labrador have increased this winter. Labrador residents are asked to be vigilant and take precautions when encountering animals that are acting in an unusual or aggressive manner. Avoid and report animals exhibiting signs of rabies, including:
- Behaving strangely,
- Staggering,
- Frothing at the mouth,
- Choking, or
- Making unusual noises.
Advice for residents
For the best protection of domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, it is advisable to keep pets under control and tethered or penned while outdoors, preferably under supervision.
- Domestic animals that spend most of their time outdoors should be contained and monitored for changes in behaviour and signs of rabies.
- Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies.
- Avoid wild animals, particularly foxes and wolves.
- Report ALL sightings of Arctic foxes.
- Report sightings of wild or domestic animals acting strangely to a local Forest Management Office, Animal Health Division, or local police. Reports in Nunatsiavut communities should be directed to local Conservation Officers.
Any Labrador residents that have been recently bitten or scratched by a fox or dog are advised to contact a Community Clinic to be assessed. Always seek immediate medical treatment if you are in contact with a potentially rabid animal. Treatment must be started quickly after exposure, as rabies infection is almost always fatal. Wash any bites, scratches or other areas of contact immediately with soap and water.
Information about rabies is available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
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Media contacts
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca
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