News June 10, 2022 – 5:29 pm EDT
The health department warns anyone who is scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to receive immediate medical attention.
Nunavut’s health department warns Cougaaruk residents to be careful with foxes after one killed by a dog was later tested positive for rabies. (Photo by Clément Chevallier / Parks Canada)
From Nunatsiaq News
A fox killed by a dog in Kugaaruk recently tested positive for rabies, the Nunavut Health Department said late Friday.
The department now warns neighborhood residents to watch out for foxes and advises anyone scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to seek medical attention immediately, because rabies infections are almost always fatal.
The department said the fox’s body had been sent for testing and the results were positive. The fox was seen behaving strangely before being killed.
The health ministry did not say whether it was related to an incident in Kugaaruk last month in which a domestic dog was euthanized after killing a fox that showed signs of possible rabies.
In a press release Friday, the department said pets that spend time tethered outdoors should be monitored for changes in behavior.
Possible symptoms of rabies include staggering, foaming at the mouth, choking, making unusual noises, or strange behavior.
Animals that show behavior should be avoided and reported to the regional environmental health officer at 867-983-2436 or the conservation officer at 867-896-7011, the department said.
Add Comment