Arctic fox from the James Bay Coast tests positive for rabies

Northeastern Public Health said Thursday it has been notified of a confirmed case of rabies in an Arctic fox along the James Bay Coast.

Northeastern Public Health has been notified of a confirmed case of rabies in an Arctic fox along the James Bay Coast.

The last animal to test positive for rabies in the region was a bat in 2021, public health said in a news release Thursday.

“While the rabies virus is known to cycle in the Arctic fox population in the north, there is an ever-present risk of rabies in wildlife, especially foxes,” the release said.

“Knowing that surveillance information can be limited, the identification of this case may indicate an increase in the area.”

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain and spinal cord of warm-blooded mammals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and bats.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Rabies is also fatal to humans if it is not treated promptly.

Keep your pets safe

“Often we forget that the rabies virus may be circulating in our wild animal populations,” Tanya Musgrave, public health inspector at Northeastern Public Health, said in the release.

“But there are several preventative measures we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our pets.”

For example, people should leave unfamiliar animals alone.

“Supervise your pets and get them vaccinated,” Musgrave added.

“Also, talk to your children about the importance of staying away from stray animals and wildlife.”

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, report the exposure to Northeastern Public Health by calling the 24-hour on-call service at 1-877-442-1212.

Vaccination is the best way to protect your pets against the rabies virus. For more information on Rabies and getting your pet vaccinated, click here.