Quebec will launch aerial vaccine-baiting campaign Sept. 19 to 23 across three regions to combat raccoon rabies
Approximately 440,000 vaccine baits will be distributed by low-flying aircraft across Eastern Townships, Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec in an effort to immunize raccoons, skunks and foxes.
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Quebec will distribute approximately 440,000 vaccine baits by low-flying aircraft between September 19 and 23 across the Eastern Townships, Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec, targeting raccoons, skunks and foxes in an effort to immunize them against rabies.
The operation covers nearly 3,200 square kilometres across 62 municipalities: 29 in the Eastern Townships, 22 in Montérégie and 11 in Centre-du-Québec. The vaccine baits appear as greenish ketchup packets or khaki-green ravioli and emit a sweet odour designed to attract wildlife.
Rabies is a contagious and fatal disease that affects all mammals and can be transmitted from infected animals to humans. As HighOnCity reported in July, 170 raccoon rabies cases had been confirmed in Montreal-area municipalities, and the disease has been rising across the region. Control operations resumed in Estrie and Montérégie in 2024 and continued in 2025; this aerial campaign is part of Quebec's 2026 annual plan for two vaccine-baiting operations.
The Ministry of the Environment has warned residents not to touch or move any baits they encounter.
The effort represents an escalation of the province's response to what it sees as a growing threat spreading toward Montreal from neighbouring U.S. states.
The facts
How many vaccine baits will Quebec distribute?
Approximately 440,000 vaccine baits will be distributed by low-flying aircraft across three regions between September 19 and 23.
Which animals is the campaign targeting?
The campaign targets raccoons, skunks and foxes to immunize them against rabies.
How large is the area being covered?
The operation covers nearly 3,200 square kilometres across 62 municipalities: 29 in the Eastern Townships, 22 in Montérégie and 11 in Centre-du-Québec.
What do the vaccine baits look like?
The vaccine baits appear as greenish ketchup packets or khaki-green ravioli and emit a sweet odour designed to attract wildlife.
