First case of raccoon rabies confirmed in domestic cat in Quebec
A stray cat in Godmanchester tested positive for raccoon rabies, marking the first confirmed transmission to a domestic animal as 118 cases spread across the province.
Sources · local media reports
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A first case of raccoon rabies in a domestic cat has been confirmed in Godmanchester, Quebec, in the Montérégie region, the province's agriculture ministry said Wednesday.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food confirmed the case last Thursday. "This case demonstrates that the disease, already present in wild animals in some parts of Quebec, can also be transmitted to domestic animals," the ministry said. As of July 29, 118 cases of raccoon rabies have been confirmed in Quebec, primarily in the Montérégie and Eastern Townships regions.
MAQAQ is reminding pet owners of the importance of having their animals vaccinated against rabies and keeping their vaccinations up to date. Rabies is a fatal and incurable disease for both animals and humans. Once symptoms appear, there is no effective treatment, making prevention the best way to protect animals and the people who come into contact with them.
Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a suspected animal, or comes into contact with its saliva, should wash the affected area for 15 minutes and call Info-Santé at 811. Preventive treatment administered quickly after contact with an infected animal can prevent rabies from developing in humans. Rabies is also a reportable disease in Quebec; professionals who suspect or confirm a case must notify authorities so appropriate public-health and animal-health measures can be put in place.
By the numbers
How many raccoon rabies cases have been confirmed in Quebec as of July 29, 2026?
As of July 29, 2026, 118 cases of raccoon rabies have been confirmed in Quebec, primarily in the Montérégie and Eastern Townships regions.
Where was the first domestic cat confirmed with raccoon rabies in Quebec?
Godmanchester, Quebec, in the Montérégie region, is where the first domestic cat was confirmed with raccoon rabies.
