Fort Simpson (Apr 04/05) - The Department of Health and Social Services recommends dog owners vaccinate their pets against the rabies virus, in part because of a Canada-wide shortage of the vaccine for humans.

From 1998 to 2004, there were 77 confirmed cases of rabies in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, according to a recently released government report.

The majority of animals infected with the disease were foxes, but medical experts warn it could be passed on to domestic dogs and humans.

Doctors predict that until early 2006, only a limited supply of the rabies vaccine will be available.