A wolf has been diagnosed with rabies In Lab City.
On January 25, a wolf was killed by conservation officers with the Department of Natural Resources after it exhibited aggressive behaviour towards snowmobilers.
The wolf was killed about six kilometres east of Labrador City.
Samples from the animal have been sent to Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratories in Ottawa for confirmation of the diagnosis.
This is the first case of rabies reported in Labrador since July 2014.
The last incident in Labrador West was in 2012.
There was no confirmation of any human or domestic animal contact in that incident.
However, the public is asked to report any contact that may have happened prior to this event to public health officials.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take precautions when encountering animals acting in a strange or aggressive manner.
Officials with the departments of Natural Resources, and Health and Community Services, will continue to monitor the situation.
Officials are encouraging residents of Labrador to take the following precautions:
Keep domestic animals under control;
Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies;
Avoid wild animals, particularly foxes and wolves;
Report any sightings of strange-acting wild or domestic animals to conservation officers, wildlife enforcement officers, veterinarians, and police or public health officials;
Wash any bites or other areas of contact with potentially rabid animals immediately with soap and water;
Go to your health clinic or emergency department immediately for treatment of any animal bites.
The Provincial Government has rabies education information available for those seeking additional information at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies.