Ministry of the Environment warns of increased risk of rabies in raccoons

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Due to an outbreak of rabies in raccoons near the Quebec-Vermont border, Quebec Environment is reminding residents of the Eastern Townships and Montérégies to remain vigilant and remove all wild animals suspected of having rabies. Warning to report.

The ministry said in a press release that the risk of raccoon rabies being introduced into Quebec has increased significantly since cases were identified near the border in March. Some of the cases occurred in areas where no wildlife vaccination campaigns have been conducted since 2020, the report said.

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Since March 2022, more than 30 rabies cases in raccoons have been detected along Lake Champlain between Burlington, Vermont, and the Canada-U.S. border, the press release added.

Rabies is a potentially fatal infectious disease that can infect all mammals. It can be transmitted to humans from infected animals.

The ministry urges residents of Haut-Richelieu Parish and Brome-Missisquoi municipalities, especially those living near the border, to be proactive in looking out for wild animals infected with rabies.

The public can call 1-877-346-6763 or fill out an online form to report a dead, apparently disoriented, injured, or unusually aggressive or paralyzed raccoon, skunk, You are being asked to report a fox.

The ministry said it was working closely with U.S. authorities to contain the spread of the infection. A vaccination campaign is also being carried out targeting wild animals in Montérégie and the eastern region. Details of the vaccination program will be announced at a later date.

The Environment Department also provided the following safety tips:

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• If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, or if you come in contact with saliva, even if it is minor, wash the wound with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Immediately call Info-Santé 811 for appropriate medical advice.
• Never approach unknown wild or domestic animals, even if they appear harmless.
• Never touch a dead animal with your bare hands.
• Take steps to avoid attracting wildlife to your property, such as leaving trash cans accessible to wildlife and feeding pets outdoors.
• Do not remove animals that appear to be unwanted or orphaned. Relocation can spread diseases such as rabies to other areas.
• If your pet has been vaccinated against rabies or has had contact with wild animals that can transmit rabies, please see a veterinarian.

For more information about raccoon rabies in Quebec, or fill out our online reporting form: Québec.ca/Raccoon Rabies

Names of municipalities where raccoon rabies risk is highest: Québec.ca/Raccoon Rabies

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