Wildlife officials have confirmed the presence of rabies in Labrador for the first time in four years.
An Arctic fox recently killed near Nain tested positive for the disease by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods says fox populations are high this year, and there have been a number of reported sightings of foxes behaving in an unusual manner in the Labrador region.
The last recorded case of rabies in a fox in Labrador was back in 2018.
Residents are asked to be vigilant and take precautions when encountering animals that are acting in an unusual or aggressive manner.
Other behaviours to watch for include staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making unusual noises.
Labrador residents that have been recently bitten or scratched by a fox or dog are advised to contact their local community clinic for assessment.
Treatment must be started quickly after exposure, and any bites or scratches should be immediately washed with soap and water.
Untreated rabies is almost always fatal.
Pets should be vaccinated and penned or tethered and monitored closely.
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
- 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 any sightings of wild or domestic animals acting strangely to a local Forest Management Office, Resource Enforcement Division, Animal Health Division, or local police.
