Rabies confirmed in Taloyoak

Public Health Advisory

Rabies confirmed in Taloyoak

The Department of Health would like to notify residents of Taloyoak that dogs and foxes have tested positive for rabies. Residents are asked to be on the lookout for foxes in your area.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a fox or a dog, go to the health centre and report the incident immediately. Treatment must be started quickly. If you see an animal behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises, these could be signs of rabies. Avoid the animal and report it to conservation officer.

A fox that is sick may appear friendly. Children should not play with foxes or other wildlife. Monitor domestic animals that are tied up outside for changes in behavior and signs of rabies.

Rabies is commonly found in foxes and wolves in Nunavut, and can spread to dogs when they are bitten by a rabid fox or wolf. Rabies can be passed onto people when an infected animal bites, scratches or licks them. A person can get rabies when handling/skinning infected animals.

If you see a fox or wolf wandering around the community, or if your dog had contact with a fox or wolf, call the Conservation Officer at 867-561-6231 or the Environmental Health Officer at 867-983-4236, immediately.

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Media Contact:

Sara Arsenault
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5949
sarsenault@gov.nu.ca