Quebec confirms first case of raccoon rabies in a cow
The young heifer died the same day symptoms appeared on a farm in Coaticook, in the Estrie region.
COATICOOK · The first case of raccoon rabies in a cow has been confirmed in Quebec. The provincial agriculture ministry said the young, unvaccinated heifer died on Oct. 30 in Coaticook, located in the Estrie region. Symptoms of the disease appeared the same day, and laboratory tests confirmed the rabies infection on Wednesday, Nov. 4. This marks the first bovine case since the raccoon rabies outbreak began in 2024.
Quebec's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Bernard Sévigny, said the situation is being taken seriously. The ministry stated it worked with the farm owner and a veterinarian to manage risks on the Eastern Townships property. To combat the outbreak, veterinarians have visited more than 700 farms to offer vaccinations. The province has also distributed over 1.5 million vaccine baits for wildlife this year.
Financial aid is available for livestock producers who choose to vaccinate their animals. The program covers vaccination costs performed by a veterinarian since May 15. Eligible operations are in Montérégie, the Eastern Townships and parts of Centre-du-Québec, and include farms raising cattle, goats, sheep or outdoor pigs. The voluntary measure aims to protect livestock and the people who work with them.
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While raccoons are the primary carriers, the rabies variant has also been found in skunks, foxes and cats. Three cats in the Montérégie region tested positive over the summer. Provincial authorities report 329 confirmed cases of raccoon rabies so far in 2024. Cases have increased significantly in the Montérégie region since March, despite ongoing surveillance and vaccination efforts in at-risk areas.
Rabies can infect all mammals, including humans, and is mainly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via a bite. The government urges pet owners to vaccinate their cats and dogs, with reduced-rate vaccinations available. People are advised to remain vigilant and avoid contact with wild, domestic or farm animals that could be infected. The ministry also recommends supervising pets outdoors or keeping them inside. Residents in affected regions are asked to report sightings of dead, injured, disoriented or paralyzed raccoons, skunks or foxes. Reports should also be made for animals displaying unusually aggressive behaviour. Sightings can be reported to the Ministry of the Environment by phone or through an online form.
With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and CBC News