A domestic cat in Saint‑Anicet, Montérégie, has been confirmed as the second feline case of raccoon‑origin rabies identified this summer, according to Santé Québec. The animal tested positive for the virus that is typically carried by raccoons, and three people who had contact with the cat received post‑exposure prophylaxis to prevent infection.
Health officials traced the source of the infection to a raccoon found in the Centre‑du‑Québec region that was also positive for rabies. The virus appears to have transferred from the wildlife carrier to the cat, highlighting the ongoing risk of spillover from wild animals to domestic pets in the province.
The three individuals who were exposed to the infected cat were promptly administered the standard series of rabies vaccinations after being evaluated by public health workers. No further cases have been reported among people or other animals linked to this incident.
This case follows a series of rabies detections in both wildlife and companion animals across Quebec during the summer of 2026. The province has reported multiple instances involving raccoons, foxes, and other wildlife, as well as several pets that have contracted the disease after contact with infected animals. In response, Santé Québec has issued public warnings urging pet owners to keep animals indoors or under supervision, especially during peak wildlife activity, and to seek immediate medical advice if exposure is suspected.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and are coordinating with veterinary services to identify and manage any additional cases. The recent findings reinforce the importance of vaccination programs for pets and the need for vigilance among residents in areas where rabies‑carrying wildlife are present.