On August 10, Quebec health officials announced that a second domestic cat in Montreal has tested positive for the raccoon variant of rabies. The case follows a previous feline infection identified earlier this year. The authorities also reported that three individuals who may have been exposed to the infected animal received emergency post‑exposure prophylaxis.
The cat was captured after it was reported roaming in a residential area of the city. Laboratory analysis conducted by the provincial laboratory confirmed the presence of the rabies virus strain typically associated with raccoons, rather than the canine or bat variants more commonly found in domestic animals. The animal is now being held for further observation and disposal according to public‑health protocols.
The three people who received treatment include the animal’s owner, a neighbor who reported the cat, and a veterinary staff member who handled the animal. Each was administered a series of rabies vaccinations and immune‑globulin injections within the recommended time frame to reduce the risk of infection. Health officials emphasized that the prophylactic regimen is standard practice when a potential exposure to a confirmed rabid animal occurs.
Raccoon rabies continues to circulate in several regions of Quebec, prompting ongoing surveillance of wildlife and domestic animals. The provincial health department has advised residents to avoid contact with stray or wild‑appearing animals and to report any unusual behavior to local authorities. The confirmation of a second cat infected underscores the importance of rapid testing and immediate medical response to prevent human cases.