First case of raccoon rabies in a cat confirmed in Quebec
Posted July 29, 2026 4:05 pm.
Last Updated July 29, 2026 4:13 pm.
A first case of raccoon rabies in a stray cat has been confirmed in Godmanchester, Que., in the Montérégie region, the province’s agriculture ministry said Wednesday.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) says the case was confirmed last Thursday.
“This case demonstrates that the disease, already present in wild animals in some parts of Quebec, can also be transmitted to domestic animals,” the ministry said in a news release.
MAPAQ is reminding pet owners of the importance of having their animals vaccinated against rabies and keeping their vaccinations up to date.
Rabies is a fatal and incurable disease for both animals and humans. Once symptoms appear, there is no effective treatment, making prevention the best way to protect animals and the people who come into contact with them.
The ministry says anyone who is bitten or scratched by a suspected animal, or comes into contact with its saliva, should wash the affected area for 15 minutes and call Info-Santé at 811.
It says preventive treatment administered quickly after contact with an infected animal can prevent rabies from developing in humans.
Rabies is also a reportable disease in Quebec. Professionals who suspect or confirm a case must notify authorities so appropriate public-health and animal-health measures can be put in place quickly to protect the public and limit the spread of the disease.
As of July 29, 118 cases of raccoon rabies have been confirmed in Quebec, primarily in the Montérégie and Eastern Townships regions.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
