2nd cat with rabies reported in Montérégie, infected raccoon found in Centre-du-Québec
Public health officials in Quebec are urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals following reports of rabies in cats and raccoons. Residents are advised to avoid contact with unknown animals and seek immediate medical care if bitten or scratched.
Why it matters
Rabies is a fatal disease, and the spread among domestic and wild animals poses a direct public health risk that requires community vigilance and preventative action.
Three people had to seek preventative care against the disease after coming into contact with the animal Santé Québec Montérégie-Centre said in a news release on Monday.
The case was discovered one week after a first cat was diagnosed with the viral disease in Godmanchester, also in the Montérégie.
Santé Québec says the situation highlights the importance of keeping pet's vaccinations up to date, as a racoon rabie s outbreak continues to spread throughout the Estrie, Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec regions.
Public health officials are asking pet owners to ensure their pets aren't roaming freely outside without supervision.
They urge everyone to avoid contact with unknown domestic and wild animals, even if they appear harmless, healthy, or dead.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in