Raccoon rabies on the rise in Quebec

Raccoon rabies is making a comeback in Quebec, and provincial officials are taking action to prevent its spread.

The Quebec Environment Ministry launched a large-scale aerial and ground operation to distribute vaccines in the Eastern Townships and the Montérégie regions, where cases have resurged.

From Aug. 6 to Sept. 20, a total of 635,000 vaccine baits will be distributed. According to the ministry, the operation will cover 7,016 square kilometres of land.

The vaccine baits are designed to appeal to wild animals with a strong vanilla-like smell.

“They’re going to just really eat a chew on it and get the vaccine in their mouth and get immunized that way,” said Marianne Gagnier, rabies coordinator for the Quebec Environment Ministry.

The first confirmed case of raccoon rabies in Quebec was in 2006. According to the province, between 2006 to 2009, there was a total of 104 cases. Then an isolated case in 2015.

But this year, the ministry reported 42 confirmed cases of raccoon rabies.

According to the ministry, raccoon rabies primarily affects raccoons and striped skunks. The vaccine targets those animals as well as foxes.

Gagnier says the disease poses serious health risks and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

“So that’s why we’re doing this, to really protect human health,” said Gagnier.

According to officials, the infected raccoons are believed to be coming from Vermont, with most of the confirmed cases occurring near the border.

Gagnier says if someone is bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal, they should immediately wash the area with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and call Info-Santé at 811 for further instructions.

Pet owners are also being reminded to keep their animals vaccinated.

The vaccine bait operation will be carried out in 116 municipalities, and Gagnier says results may take several months to appear.

“We ask people to stay away from the animal. Never get close or try to help animals, even if they seem harmless,” said Gagnier.