Two more rabies cases confirmed in Labrador, including sled dog

Two more cases of rabies have been confirmed in Labrador, including a dog from a sled team that recently competed in a race.

The unvaccinated dog from Makkovik was put down earlier this month due to deteriorating health.

The other animals on the same dog team have been vaccinated and are under quarantine.

In another incident, a dog from Nain was attacked by a fox confirmed with having rabies.

These two cases make a total of nine confirmed cases of rabies in Labrador this winter — in Labrador City, Voisey's Bay, Hopedale, and most recently, in the Makkovik and Nain areas.

The provincial and Nunatsiavut governments said pet owners in Labrador should vaccinate their animals.

They're advising mushers to be aware of the risk and to report any suspicious contact between their dogs and wild animals to local conservation officers.

Officials with the province's forestry department said they believe infected animals could also cross from Labrador onto the island of Newfoundland on sea ice.

They're warning residents to take precautions when they see animals acting in a strange or aggressive manner.