It’s believed a dog in Hopedale became infected with rabies after an encounter with a fox. Photo by UnsplashArticle contentThe province has confirmed that a dog in Hopedale has tested positive for rabies after the dog was believed to have contact with a fox in the community about six weeks ago.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFox have been identified as one of the animals most likely to spread rabies. In 2018, Labrador pet owners were urged to vaccinate their animals after a fox in Rigolet was determined to have rabies.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentPublic Health says it has completed risk assessments of human contact and continues to trace possible contact.Article contentLabrador residents should be vigilant and take precautions when encountering animals that are acting in an unusual or aggressive manner and are encouraged to avoid and report animals exhibiting signs of rabies, including:Article contentBehaving strangelyStaggeringFrothing at the mouthChokingMaking unusual noisesArticle contentWhat should Labrador residents do to protect themselves, pets?Article contentLabrador residents should avoid touching or feeding stray or wild animals, according to a government release issued on Thursday, July 10.Article contentFor the best protection of domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, it’s advised to keep pets under control and tethered or enclosed while outdoors, preferably under supervision.Article contentDomestic animals that spend most of their time outdoors should be contained and monitored for changes in behaviour and signs of rabies.Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies.Avoid wild animals, particularly foxes and wolves, and report all sightings.Report sightings of wild or domestic animals acting strangely to a local Forest Management Office or Animal Health Division. Reports in Nunatsiavut communities should be directed to local Conservation Officers.Article contentArticle contentAny Labrador residents who have been recently bitten or scratched by a dog or fox are advised to contact a community clinic to be assessed.Article contentArticle contentWhat is rabies?Article contentAccording to Health Canada, rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. Once clinical signs appear, rabies is almost always fatal in animals and people.Article contentIn Canada, the animals that most often transmit rabies are bats, skunks and foxes.Article contentSo far in 2025, Health Canada has received 1,190 samples to test for rabies, including 16 samples from NL.Article contentWhat should you do if you’ve been in contact with a rabid animal?Article contentResidents are reminded to always seek immediate medical treatment if they are in contact with a potentially rabid animal.Article contentTreatment must be started quickly after exposure, as rabies infection is almost always fatal.Article contentVaccination and treatment are very effective at protecting against rabies if started early.Article contentWash any bites, scratches or other areas of contact immediately with soap and water.Article content
Rabies case confirmed in dog in Hopedale
