A moose confirmed rabies on its test at Western Alaska.
The Norton Sound Health Corporation’s Office of Environmental Health is appealing to residents in the region to ensure that their pets are protected against rabies following a moose was positively for the disease in Teller.
According to a press release from NSHC the 2nd of June residents of Teller (a town that is home to about 250 people and about 70 miles to the northwest of Nome -told the NSHC that a moose had been attacking people, and displaying other symptoms that the disease was present.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game was notified to the incident, and the moose was found to be positive for rabies.
The moose that is rabies-positive is the first known case in Alaska. The virus found is the same type of the rabies virus which has been detected in red foxes. This is according to Fish and Game, suggests that the moose was affected by the Fox.
Fish and Game encourages anyone who comes across dead mammals or observes an animal that is showing signs of rabies to report it immediately and immediately to Fish and Game.
The signs of rabies are rapid changes in behavior like stumbling anger and exhaustion, excessive drooling, incoordination, aversion to themselves, running after vehicles or displaying a lack of awareness about their environment. Photos and videos are useful in assessing the animal’s behavior, but it is essential to remain in a safe distance to prevent exposure.
All cats and dogs should be vaccinated against the rabies virus at three months old. Then, after a year, and then every three years following that.
To reach Fish and Game to report any wildlife-related issue, dial 907-443-2271. For inquiries to NSHC about pet exposure or vaccinations, contact 907-434-1659 or call 907-434-0543.
