Foxes and domestic dog test positive for rabies in Pond Inlet

Public Health Advisory
Foxes and domestic dog test positive for rabies in Pond Inlet

The Department of Health is advising residents of Pond Inlet that two foxes and a domestic dog have tested positive for rabies.

Due to the danger of rabies, the Department of Health advises all residents 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 after exposure, as rabies infections are almost always fatal if untreated.

Domestic animals that spend time tied up outdoors should be monitored for a change in behaviour and signs of rabies.

Signs of rabies include behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises. Wild animals infected with rabies may also appear friendly and approach humans without fear. Animals exhibiting these signs should be avoided and reported to the Regional Environmental Health Officer or Conservation Officer.

If you see a fox or wolf wandering around the community, contact the Conservation Officer at 867-899-8819. If your dog had contact with a fox or wolf, call your local Regional Environmental Health Officer at 867-975-4815.

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Media Contact:

Danarae Sommerville
A/Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
dsommerville1@gov.nu.ca