Second fox tests positive for rabies in Iqaluit
Two sled dogs are also being monitored for rabies
A second case of rabies from a fox in Iqaluit has been reported by the Government of Nunavut’s Health Department. (Photo by Paul Nuyalia)
A second fox has tested positive for rabies in Iqaluit, says Nunavut’s Department of Health.
The fox was in contact with two sled dogs and those dogs are being isolated and monitored for rabies, Health spokesperson Danarae Sommerville said in a news release.
An increased number of fox sightings in the city has raised the risk of rabies exposure.
Iqalummiut are being asked to watch out for foxes, as well as unfamiliar dogs.
Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated, so any resident that is scratched or bitten by a fox or dog should go to the hospital immediately. The Canadian Immunization Guide states that a rabies vaccine should be given on the first day a person may have been infected.
Signs of rabies can be choking, staggering, frothing at the mouth, making strange noises or behaving oddly, Sommerville said in the release.
Domestic animals that spend most of their time outside should be monitored, tied up and observed for signs of rabies.
Any animal exhibiting signs of rabies or any fox or wolf spotted in a community should be reported to the regional environmental health office at 867-975-1163 or a conservation officer at 867-975-7780.
If I lose my best friend to a trap, you better believe I’ll be more than angry.
I wish they just kept this information private, the public has too many idiots.
These foxes have started coming in to town at the right time. Some trappers will get some extra cash and the hides are potential quality x-mas gifts.
This is a constant concern of mine. There are some people that will put traps within town boundaries and very close to roads and say it’s their right. Something about the age-old traditional activity of driving your car down the road to where you want to place your steel traps.
Anyone who finds a trap that has been illegally placed within one mile (1.6km) of a road or municipal structure has the right to make that trap ineffective, they represent a clear danger to both humans and domestic animals.
You’re damn right I disable traps that are too close. I completely wrecked the one I found right near the Sylvia grinnel parking lot. You don’t want to see me with a dead companion in my hand, if there comes that day, there will be justice..