Fitzgerald warns of rabies in Labrador after dog tests positive post fox encounter in Hopedale

Newfoundland and Labrador's top doctor is warning residents in the Big Land about rabies after a dog in Hopedale tested positive after coming into contact with a fox.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald said Labrador residents should avoid touching or feeding stray or wild animals. 

"Rabies is almost always fatal when the human gets it, if they start showing symptoms," Fitzgerald told reporters on Thursday. "Rabies is pretty much fatal in all animals who get it. So poor puppy passed away."

Public health has identified 20 people who potentially made contact with a rabid animal. 

Fitzgerald said those at risk of transmission have been offered post-exposure prophylaxis, a vaccine to treat the disease. 

"That has been shown to be quite effective in preventing rabies disease in those who may have been exposed," Fitzgerald said. 

Four doses of that vaccine are administered. Fitzgerald said the dosage should prevent the disease from developing. 

In the meantime, Labrador residents who have been recently bitten or scratched by a dog or fox should contact a community health clinic for assessment. 

Fitzgerald said treatment for rabies must start quickly, given that the disease is largely fatal.

"It can start with fever, headache, those more general kinds of symptoms. But as time goes on and as the virus starts to replicate, then neurological symptoms happen," Fitzgerald said. "It's quite a dramatic illness and as I said, almost always fatal."

The dog encountered the fox in Hopedale six weeks ago. 

Signs of rabies in animals include staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking, making unusual noises and strange behaviour. 

To protect domestic animals, pet owners are advised to supervise and tether their dogs and cats while outdoors.

For domestic animals that spend most of their time outdoors, the province said pet owners should monitor for changes in behaviour and signs of rabies.

Dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies. 

For humans, bites and scratches should be washed with soap and water immediately. 

The incidence rate of rabies in Newfoundland and Labrador is low. Fitzgerald said there are no reported cases of rabies currently on the island. 

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