Caribou in Coral Harbour, Nunavut, tests positive for rabies
In a public health advisory Tuesday, the department says harvesters who suspect an animal of having rabies should avoid handling the carcass. If they have already harvested the meat, they should dispose of it instead of eating it or feeding it to dogs.
It says if you've been bitted or scratched by an infected animal, to go to your local health centre as soon as possible and report the incident.
Dogs and other domestic animals that spend time tied up outdoors should be monitored for a change in behaviour. Signs of rabies include change of behaviour, aggression, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises.
Wild animals infected with rabies may also appear friendly and approach humans without fear.
Nunavut's chief public health officer Dr. Ekua Agyemang said that this is the first confirmed case of rabies in caribou in Nunavut.
She suspects another animal with rabies, possibly a fox or dog, bit the caribou to spread the disease.
Agyemang said that she believes this to be an isolated event and that officials haven't heard any other reports of caribou suspected of having rabies.
"People should be calm — it doesn't mean that going forward you can't eat caribou," she said, adding hunters should just observe an animal before killing it and report if they notice any strange behaviour.
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