Quebec Rabies Alert: Raccoon Outbreak Spreads to Cities

Public health officials across Quebec's Montérégie region and parts of the Eastern Townships are alerting residents to an escalating raccoon rabies outbreak. As of 2026, the province has documented 170 cases since the outbreak's commencement in 2024, with the disease showing rapid proliferation among wildlife, particularly raccoons.

The enhanced surveillance zone now encompasses nearly all of the Montérégie region and extends into southwestern Eastern Townships. This year alone, 76 rabies cases have been confirmed in Quebec, a significant increase from the single case reported in 2024. Health authorities emphasize that the risk is no longer confined to rural areas, with both rural and urban populations needing to be aware of the heightened danger.

Rabies is primarily transmitted through an infected animal's saliva, typically via bites or scratches. While rare, the disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms manifest. Health officials are encouraging pet owners to ensure vaccinations are current and to report any wildlife exhibiting unusual behavior. Residents are strongly advised to avoid any contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets, regardless of their appearance or condition, and to remind children to keep a safe distance from wildlife.