Nunavut health officials issue warning after animals test positive for rabies
Taloyoak residents should avoid and report animals like foxes and dogs acting strangely
Residents of Taloyoak should be on the lookout for rabies, Nunavut health officials say, after a number of dogs and foxes have tested positive for the viral infection in the Kitikmeot community.
Rabies is commonly found in both foxes and wolves around Nunavut and can easily spread to dogs, if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
Humans can contract rabies by handling or skinning an infected animal.
The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health is advising anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a dog or a fox to go to their local health centre to report it.
Rabies can be treated with medication, but that treatment should start immediately, the GN said in a March 5 release.
The virus affects the brain and can be deadly if untreated.
Generally speaking, Taloyoak residents should avoid and report any animal exhibiting strange behaviour, such as staggering, frothing at the mouth or making choking noises.
Residents with pets should monitor any dogs they have tied up outside for changes in behaviour and other signs of rabies.
If residents notice strange behaviour, or see a fox or wolf wandering in the community, they should contact their local conservation officer at 867-561-6231 or the environmental health officer at 867-893-4236.
It is inexcusable that dogs tested positive for rabies. Comm’on people, rabies vaccine is FREE!!! You are risking yourself , family and others by not vaccinating your dog!
The Hamlet does do vaccinations once year but the dogs that were put down were younger ones that would have missed the last round of vaccinations.