The news. Quebec's agriculture ministry (MAPAQ) has confirmed the province's first case of raccoon rabies in a cow since the outbreak began in 2024. According to its November 6 news release (in French), the animal was a young unvaccinated heifer kept in a pasture in Coaticook, in the Eastern Townships. Signs of the disease began on October 30 and the animal died the same day. The positive result was confirmed on November 4. The owner and their vet took the necessary steps on the farm, with MAPAQ's support.
Why it matters. Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including farm animals and humans. It spreads mainly through the saliva of an infected animal, for example through a bite. Until now, the focus was mostly on raccoons, skunks and pets: this summer, three cats in Montérégie tested positive, the ministry notes.
Help for farmers. Quebec offers financial aid to vaccinate farm animals against rabies. It is for registered farms in Montérégie, the Eastern Townships and some municipalities in Centre-du-Québec that raise cattle, goats, sheep or outdoor pigs. It covers vaccinations given by a vet since May 15, 2026: the vet's travel, fees, supplies and the cost of the vaccines. The measure is voluntary. The ministry also reminds farmers to apply biosecurity measures to limit contact between farm animals and wild animals.
If you have a pet. Have it vaccinated and supervise it outdoors, or keep it inside. If you're worried it was bitten by an animal that could be infected, or had another risky contact, call your vet: they can assess the situation and recommend treatment.
After a bite or scratch. Avoid touching wild animals, dead animals or animals that seem sick. If an animal bites or scratches you, or its saliva touches a wound, your eyes, mouth or nose, wash the wound right away with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, even if it looks minor, then quickly call Info-Santé 811. Don't wait for symptoms: steps taken right after contact can prevent the disease.
Reporting a suspicious animal. If you live in the Eastern Townships, Montérégie or Centre-du-Québec, report raccoons, skunks or foxes that are dead, injured, disoriented, paralyzed or unusually aggressive. Call the Environment Ministry at 1-877-346-6763, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or fill out the form on the raccoon rabies surveillance page at any time.
The background. In October, the Environment Ministry ran an operation to trap and vaccinate raccoons in Montérégie, which we covered in our October 9 article. The Rabies in animals page gathers the official information on the disease and prevention.
Good to know for newcomers. In Quebec you'll see raccoons even in cities, and they often seem used to people. Don't feed them or go near them. If you adopt a dog or cat, our guide to pets in Quebec explains how to find a vet and what vaccines cost.
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