Rabies remains ‘threat’ in Pangnirtung with multiple dogs, fox infected

Anybody in Pangnirtung who had contact with a loose, large black and white husky last Friday should be seen by a nurse and assessed for rabies, says Nunavut’s Department of Health.

The department issued a public service announcement Wednesday after the husky was killed Saturday for showing signs of the disease.

The dog was “not available” to be tested, the public service announcement said.

This is the fourth dog to show signs of rabies since May. The three other dogs tested positive for the disease, as has one fox.

“Rabies remains an active and serious threat in the community,” the announcement said.

Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal if left untreated. Signs of rabies in animals includes strange or aggressive behaviour, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking and making strange noises.

“Wild animals infected with rabies may also appear friendly and approach humans without fear,” the announcement said.

“This is abnormal behaviour for wild animals. Animals exhibiting these signs should be avoided and reported to the environmental health officer or the conservation officer.”

Anybody who is bitten or scratched by an animal behaving this way should go to the health centre immediately, as treatment should be started quickly after exposure, the announcement said.

The Department of Health is also urging people in Pangnirtung to keep their dogs tied up and to monitor them for signs of rabies.