Fox in Baker Lake

Public Health Advisory

Fox in Baker Lake

The Department of Health would like to notify residents of Baker Lake that a fox has been in contact with a domestic dog in the community. The dog was immediately isolated and is being monitored for rabies. The fox was destroyed and is being tested for rabies.

The significant number of fox sightings in Nunavut has greatly increased the risk of exposure to rabies. Due to the danger of rabies, we advise all residents to be on the lookout for foxes in the area

If you have been bitten or scratched by a fox or a dog, go to the health centre and report the incident immediately. Treatment must be started quickly after exposure, as rabies infections is almost always fatal.

Domestic animals that spend the majority of time tied up outdoors should be monitored for a change in behaviour and signs of rabies.

Signs of rabies include behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises. Animals exhibiting these signs should be avoided and reported to the Regional Environmental Health Office or Conservations Officer.

If you see a fox or wolf wandering around the community, or if your dog had contact with a fox or wolf, call the Regional Environmental Health Officer at 867-645-6660 or Conservation Officer at 867-793-2944 or 867-793-1692.

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Media Contact:

Danarae Sommerville
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
@email