A caribou that attacked heavy equipment in the Coral Harbour area of Nunavut and later died on April 9 has tested positive for rabies, according to the territory's Department of Health on June 3.
"Caribou rarely get rabies. If you must put down an animal, use precaution and avoid handling its carcass. Due to the danger of rabies, the Department of Health advises to dispose of any meat harvested from an animal that has or is suspected to have rabies," the Nunavut government stated in a news release. "Avoid eating this meat and do not feed this meat to dogs."
Anyone who has been scratched or bitten by a rabies-infected animal is urged to visit your local health centre to document the incident and be treated. Early intervention is critical because rabies infections are almost always fatal, the health department stated.
Domestic animals that spend time tied up outdoors should be monitored for a change in behaviour and signs of rabies, the news release added.
Signs of rabies include behaving strangely, aggressively, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises.
Animals exhibiting these signs should be avoided and reported to the Environmental Health Office (EHO) or Conservation Officer (CO) at 866-857-4444.
