News June 10, 2022 – 5:29 PM EDT
The Department of Health warns anyone scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to receive immediate medical treatment.
The Nunavut Health Department warns Kugaaruk residents to be wary of foxes, after one who was killed by a dog later tested positive for rabies. (Photo by Clément Chevallier / Parks Canada)
By Nunatsiaq News
A fox that was killed by a dog in Kugaaruk has recently tested positive for rabies, the Nunavut Department of Health said on Friday afternoon.
The department now warns village residents to keep an eye on foxes and advises anyone scratched or bitten by a dog or fox to seek medical treatment immediately because 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 been seen acting strangely before killing her.
The Department of Health did not say whether this was related to an incident in Kugaaruk last month in which a domestic dog was slaughtered after killing a fox showing signs of possible rabies.
In a press release Friday, the department said pets that spend time tied to the outdoors should be monitored for behavioral changes.
Possible symptoms of rabies include swaying, foaming at the mouth, drowning, making unusual sounds, or acting strangely.
Animals that exhibit 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.