Iqaluit fox activity causes increased rabies risk

Public Health Advisory

Iqaluit fox activity causes increased rabies risk

The Department of Health would like to remind residents of Iqaluit that increased fox activity in the city is causing greater risk of exposure to rabies.

Due to the danger of rabies, we advise all residents to be on the lookout for foxes and to always keep their distance from unfamiliar dogs.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a fox or a dog, go to the hospital and report the incident immediately. Treatment must be started quickly after exposure, as rabies infections are 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, contact the Conservation Officer at (867) 975-7780. If your dog had contact with a fox or wolf, call the Regional Environmental Health Officer at (867) 975-1163.

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Media Contact:

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