Public Service Advisory !!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALERT !! from Government.  Please read below!!

Please be aware that we have confirmed the diagnosis of Rabies in a fox that attacked at least 2 dogs in the community of Rigolet in Labrador. It is reasonable to assume that this case may be the first of many and may mean that the risk of Rabies in animals is Labrador is higher than it normally would be. Please be careful in accepting dogs from Labrador as it is possible that an animal that is incubating the virus, but not yet showing signs, could end up on the island and then become symptomatic and capable of transmitting the disease to other animals or people. We are about to put out a public advisory, in partnership with Health and Community Services, that re-iterates the need to vaccinate pets for Rabies in endemic areas such as Labrador. Vaccinations are effective in preventing the disease if administered before exposure, but it is difficult to know if this is effective if there is no history of vaccination, or it is not known if animals were exposed prior to being vaccinated. This is a public health risk to people, as well as other animals. If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office at 729-6879.

 

Dr. Laura Rogers

Chief Veterinary Officer NL

Department of Fisheries and Land Resources