Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 21/00) - Testing has confirmed the existence of rabies in the fox population around Inuvik.

The problem became apparent over the holidays when a resident killed two foxes in the course of a week after they wandered onto his property, said Bill Wrathall, environmental health officer with the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board.

"He shot and killed the first one," said Wrathall, "and clubbed the second one but, unfortunately, only after it had fought with his dog, and badly mauled it."

Wrathall said the dog had to be put down, and the owner also received medical treatment.

Wrathall then sent the foxes to the Animal Disease Research Institute in Lethbridge, Alta., where testing confirmed they were rabid.

"So we put out an advisory that owners make sure they get their dogs vaccinated, and to keep them tied up," he said.

Wrathall also advised that anyone having contact with a fox to call Environmental Health, the bylaw officer or the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED).

If anyone is bitten by a fox -- the principal means by which rabies are transmitted -- Wrathall says to wash the wound in warm, soapy water and see a doctor.

Environmental Health staged a series of vaccination clinics in Inuvik last fall, but said the process is ongoing with the help of several community lay vaccinators.

"We're pretty comfortable we have good vaccination coverage in Inuvik, literally hundreds of dogs," he said, "but we can still come calling on demand, though we like to line up five or six appointments at a time."

Sponsored by Health and Social Services and RWED, the vaccinations are free, said Wrathall, adding he would like to see more individuals volunteer to become lay vaccinators.