A second cat in Saint-Anicet, Quebec, has been diagnosed with raccoon rabies this summer, following a similar case in Godmanchester. Three individuals had to receive preventive treatment after being in contact with the infected animal, according to Santé Québec Montérégie-Centre.
This recent incident emphasizes the importance of keeping pets’ vaccinations up to date, as raccoon rabies continues to spread in the Estrie, Montérégie, and Centre-du-Québec regions. Pet owners are urged to ensure that their animals do not roam freely outside without supervision.
Public health officials advise avoiding contact with unknown domestic and wild animals, regardless of their appearance or health status. If there is a suspicion of contact with a rabid animal, immediate action is necessary. In case of a bite or scratch, it is crucial to wash the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes and contact Info-Santé at 811 promptly to receive preventive treatment.
Animals infected with rabies may exhibit behavioral changes, aggression, biting tendencies, isolation, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, or unsteady movements. If a pet displays these symptoms, it should be isolated from other animals and humans and promptly examined by a veterinarian.
The Environment Ministry announced the first case of raccoon rabies in the Centre-du-Québec region in Saint-Eugène-de-Grantham. Residents in the specified regions are encouraged to report any dead, injured, or unusual behavior in raccoons, skunks, or foxes through an online form. For individuals outside these regions, reporting potentially rabid wildlife can be done by contacting the Environment Ministry at 1-877-346-6763.