Health Department warns anyone scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to get immediate medical treatment
Nunavut’s Health Department is warning Kugaaruk residents to be wary of foxes, after one that was killed by a dog later tested positive for rabies. (Photo by Clément Chevallier/Parks Canada)
A fox that was killed by a dog in Kugaaruk recently has tested positive for rabies, Nunavut’s Health Department said late Friday.
Now the department is warning residents in the hamlet to be on the lookout for foxes, and is advising anyone scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to immediately seek medical treatment because rabies infections are almost always fatal.
The department said the body of the fox was sent for testing and results came back positive. The fox had been seen acting strangely before it was killed.
The Health Department didn’t say if this was related to an incident in Kugaaruk last month in which a domestic dog was euthanized after it killed a fox that showed signs of possibly being rabid.
In Friday’s news release, the department said domestic animals that spend time tied up outdoors should be monitored for changes in behaviour.
Possible rabies symptoms include staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking, making unusual sounds or acting strangely.
Animals showing that behaviour should be avoided and reported to the regional environment health officer at 867-983-2436 or conservation officer at 867-896-7011, the department said.
Fox killed by dog in Kugaaruk tests positive for rabies - Nunatsiaq News
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