Rankin Inlet (Dec 01/04) - At least one case of rabies has been confirmed in Rankin Inlet.

A positive result was returned on a fox sent out for testing at the Agriculture Canada lab in Lethbridge, Alta., this past week.

The animal was shot by bylaw officers after biting a puppy.

Acting wildlife manager Joe Savikataaq says residents should take proper precautions in view of the positive result.

"People should tie up their dogs and the hamlet should work extra hard to contain the stray dog population," says Savikataaq.

"Rabies is always out in the fox population, but when there's a shortage of food, more of them are prone to contracting the disease.

"If someone does see a fox, they should throw rocks or sticks at it to keep it away because you never know."

Savikataaq says the fox population in the Kivalliq does appear to be slightly higher than normal this year.

He says the higher concentration of animals seems to be mainly around communities.

"Generally, when there's lots of lemmings around in the summer, there will be plenty of foxes in the fall.

"But we have quite a few trappers in Arviat and before trapping season we had a lot of fox sightings in town.

"Now you hardly ever see them."

Savikataaq has been active in the Kivalliq since 1986 and says the odds of a person contracting rabies from a fox are slim.

He says he's never heard of anyone getting rabies from handling or skinning a fox.

"They would have to be bitten by the fox or another infected animal.

"Stray dogs are the biggest threat because if someone is going to get rabies, that's the most likely way.

"And if a person doesn't know the dog is infected, they might not seek treatment right away."

Savikataaq says anyone bitten by a fox or a stray dog that can't be found to be tested should undergo treatment for rabies.

"Even if they don't have it, the treatment won't do them any harm other than feeling a little bit sick," he said.