Quebec Continues Raccoon Rabies Response As Outbreak Remains Concentrated in Estrie and Montérégie

SHERBROOKE, July 14, 2026 —Quebec wildlife officials continue efforts to contain the spread of raccoon rabies after 199 confirmed cases have been reported since the disease returned to the province in December 2024. The outbreak remains concentrated in the Estrie and Montérégie regions, where surveillance and vaccination operations are ongoing.

According to Marianne Gagnier, Biologist and Rabies Management Coordinator with the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, the current outbreak originated from a resurgence of raccoon rabies in the Burlington, Vermont area before crossing into Quebec. Confirmed cases have since been detected in communities including Saint-Armand, Farnham, Stanstead, Ogden, Magog and Barnston-Ouest.

To help contain the disease, the province continues to distribute oral vaccine baits for wildlife and carry out targeted vaccination operations in high-risk areas. Wildlife officials also rely on public reports of raccoons, skunks and foxes showing unusual behaviour or found dead to support laboratory testing and guide surveillance efforts.

Residents are encouraged to avoid contact with wild animals, keep garbage and other food sources secured, and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies. Officials also recommend immediately washing any bite or scratch with soap and water and contacting 811 for medical guidance following a potential exposure.

Information on confirmed cases, wildlife reporting, vaccination efforts and rabies prevention is available through the Quebec government’s raccoon rabies surveillance and control webpages.

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