Second cat contracted raccoon rabies in Montérégie: Santé Québec
Posted August 11, 2026 6:39 am.
Last Updated August 11, 2026 10:30 am.
A second cat has contracted rabies from a raccoon, this time in Saint-Anicet, in Montérégie, Santé Québec Montérégie-Centre announced on Monday.
Three people received preventive treatment for rabies after coming into contact with the animal, according to Santé Québec.
Discovered on July 31, this case comes one week after a first cat was infected with the disease in Godmanchester, also in the Montérégie region, as an outbreak continues and spreads across the Estrie and Montérégie regions.
The agency recommends remaining vigilant regarding contact with domestic or wild animals and keeping pets’ vaccinations up to date.
Rabies is fatal in both animals and humans once symptoms appear, but preventive treatment can prevent the disease from developing in humans when administered shortly after contact with an infected animal.
In the event of a bite from a suspected rabid animal, the Government of Quebec and Santé Québec advise washing the wound with soap and water for fifteen minutes and contacting Info-Santé 811.
If a pet has been bitten, the same procedure should be followed—wearing gloves—and a veterinarian should be contacted.
Pets infected with rabies will exhibit, among other things, behavioural changes, aggressive behavior, and a tendency to bite.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
