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Four confirmed cases of animal rabies have been reported recently in Labrador, the northern region of Newfoundland and Labrador province in the northeast of Canada.
The first confimed case of rabies was in January 2015, in a wolf that chased after a group on snowmobiles in Labrador city. The other three cases were confirmed on 01, 10, 11 February 2015, in two red foxes and one dog. The Department of Natural Resources is investigating a number of other suspect animals and advises residents to ensure that their pets cats and dogs are vaccinated against rabies virus.
The recent cases are a particualar concern as they have been identified across a wide area of Labrador and not confined to Labrador West. During 2012, 16 confirmed cases of animal rabies were reported in Labrador. In 2014, only one confirmed case was reported. The Chief Veterinary Officer for the province is monitoring the rabies situation in northern Quebec as rabies infection in animals is normally introduced from the Arctic by the Arctic fox and through Nunavut and Northern Quebec to Labrador.
(Via VOCM Local News - accessed 19/02/15)
Canada is considered by WHO to be a country with low risk of rabies. The area of Canada discussed in this report is not know as a popular destination for travellers. All animal bites should be reported for careful medical assessment.
Rabies pre-exposure vaccine is sometimes advised for travellers at highest risk.
