Suspected rabies case in Rankin Inlet prompts warning to residents
Dog put down earlier this week after showing symptoms
A dog in Rankin Inlet was euthanized Nov. 23 after showing signs of possibly being rabid. (Photo by David Venn)
This article was updated Nov. 25, 2022, at 2:55 p.m.
Rankin Inlet residents are being warned of the risk of rabies after a possibly rabid dog was put down this week.
The dog was kept by a resident in one of the 10-plex units near the healing facility. It was put down by a bylaw control officer on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Department of Health.
A department spokesperson confirmed the dog’s body was sent to be tested for rabies, and results could take a few weeks to arrive.
“Due to the danger of rabies, residents who had contact with the dog should be examined by a nurse at the health centre,” the release advised.
“Anyone who has been bitten or scratched, or had close contact with the dog, should go to the local health centre and report the incident immediately.”
The Health Department advised that treatment of anyone who was exposed must be started quickly because untreated rabies infections are almost always fatal.
As well, pet owners whose animal may have had close contact with the dog should contact the regional environmental health officer at 867-645-8071.
In the release, the department urged people whose domestic pets are kept outdoors to monitor them for changes in behaviour. Possible signs of rabies include the animal staggering or frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises.
This article was updated to note the body of the dog was sent to be tested for rabies.
Once again, a simple rabies shot would have prevented this.
Was the dog actually tested for rabies ? After it was put down, was it sent down south for lab analysis for confirmation ? There is a process that the Hamlet, Dept of Environment & Health must follow.. Seems like a lot of public notice was put out there about this situation without having confirmed it actually had rabies..
Mai, qimmigalaa aangajalirami.
Folks vaccinate your dogs as prescribed against rabies. It is free folk!. Do not take any chances. Rabies is a very serious disease that kills when untreated. Keep your dogs tied up or on a leash at all times . Puppies too young to be vaccinated yet cannot wander around either. Keep them indoors or in an outside pen. There are too many loose dogs wandering daily in Rankin Inlet. This is a recipe for disaster. Report any loose dogs to the bylaw right away and foxes to the conservation officers. There are lot of foxes around again this year.