The Ministry of Health warns anyone who is scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to receive immediate medical attention
The Nunavut Ministry of Health warns Kugaaruk residents to be wary of foxes, as one who was killed by a dog later tested positive for rabies. (Photo by Clément Chevallier / Parks Canada)
From Nunatsiaq News
A fox that was recently killed by a dog in Kugaaruk tested positive for rabies, the Nunavut Health Ministry announced late Friday. The department now warns villagers to be on the lookout for foxes and advises anyone scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to seek immediate medical attention as rabies infections are almost always fatal. The department said the fox’s body was sent for testing and the results were positive. The fox had seen her behave strangely before she was killed. The Ministry of Health did not say if this was related to an incident in Kugaaruk last month in which a domestic dog was euthanized after killing a fox that showed signs of possibly tearing. In Friday’s press release, the department said that pets that spend time outdoors should be monitored for changes in their behavior. Possible symptoms of rabies include fluttering, foaming at the mouth, choking, unusual sounds or strange actions. Animals showing this behavior should be avoided and reported to the regional environmental health officer at 867-983-2436 or the conservation officer at 867-896-7011, the department said.
