Fox tests positive for rabies in Resolute Bay

17 January 2023

The Department of Health is advising residents of Resolute Bay that the fox that attacked the domestic dog in the community on January 8, 2023, has tested positive for rabies. The dog is currently under confinement.

There was another fox attack on a dog on January 14, 2023, in the community and the fox was not killed or captured.

Due to the danger of rabies, we advise all residents to be on the lookout for foxes in your 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. If you see an animal behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises, avoid the animal and report it to conservation officer.

A fox that is sick may appear friendly. Children should not play with foxes or other wildlife. Keep domestic animals tied up when they are outside and monitor them for a change in behaviour and signs of rabies.

If you see a fox or wolf wandering around the community, contact the Conservation Officer at (867) 252-3879. If your dog had contact with a fox or wolf, call your local Regional Environmental Health Officer at (867) 975-1163.

Media Contact:

Victoria Morgan
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5949
vmorgan2@gov.nu.ca

NT5