Quebec races to halt raccoon rabies before it reaches Montreal

Quebec wildlife officials have launched a vaccination drive to stop raccoon rabies spreading towards Montreal. The campaign targets raccoons and skunks in two key regions after a rise in confirmed cases. Rabies remains a deadly threat, with no cure once symptoms appear in humans.

In 2025, Quebec recorded 93 cases of raccoon rabies. By early 2026, that number had reached 71, along with three cases in bats. Most infections were found south and east of Montreal, raising concerns about further spread.

To contain the outbreak, 25 teams are now trapping, vaccinating, and releasing raccoons and skunks. The operation focuses on Estrie and Monteregie, areas where the disease has been most active. Officials hope this will create a barrier to protect Montreal from the virus.

The vaccination effort aims to halt the disease’s advance before it reaches the city. With rabies still 100% fatal in humans after symptoms develop, preventing animal transmission remains critical. The campaign will continue as long as new cases are detected in wildlife.