Cambridge Bay issues public health advisory after dog tests positive for rabies

The N.W.T. Department of Health is asking people to call the environmental health line if they had contact with a dog with rabies at the Yellowknife SPCA.

A male husky cross named Kit was held at the SPCA from March 11 and 14, according to a department news release sent Friday morning.

The dog developed signs and symptoms of rabies on March 14, and was euthanized and tested, the department said, testing positive.

Rabies can be fatal in humans without treatment.

The department said the dog from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, was held in a cage outside of the SPCA "for a time."

The department is asking anyone who's had direct contact with the dog's saliva between March 10 and 14 to call (867) 767-9066 ext. 49262. A risk assessment will be done to determine whether a treatment for rabies exposure is required.

The department is asking any airline staff who may have had contact to also call the number.

Public health advisory issued for Cambridge Bay

The Nunavut Department of Health is also notifying residents in Cambridge Bay about the dog testing positive for rabies.

In a public health advisory Friday, it said residents who have been bitten or scratched by a dog or fox should go to the health centre and report the incident immediately. Rabies is commonly found in foxes and wolves in Nunavut and can spread to dogs when they are bitten.

The advisory notes that if an animal is staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises, these could be signs of rabies.

It says if anyone sees or their dog has had contact with an animal acting strangely, they should avoid the animal and call the conservation officer or environmental health officer.

The advisory also says to monitor domestic animals that have been tied up outside for changes in behaviour and signs of rabies.