first quebec cat infected with raccoon rabies as province urges pet vaccinations
1 minute read
location of godmanchester in southern quebec.
montreal gazette
quebec has confirmed its first case of raccoon rabies in a domestic cat, prompting provincial officials to urge pet owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated.the infected stray cat was found in godmanchester, in the montérégie region, on july 23. the case marks the first confirmed transmission of raccoon rabies to a cat in quebec, the ministry of agriculture, fisheries and food (mapaq) said wednesday.rabies is fatal in both animals and humans once symptoms develop, and there is no effective treatment. officials said the case highlights the risk of the disease spreading from infected wildlife to domestic animals as raccoon rabies continues to circulate in parts of southern quebec.mapaq is reminding owners to keep pets' rabies vaccinations up to date, prevent cats and dogs from roaming unsupervised, and avoid contact with wild animals. anyone bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of a suspected rabid animal should immediately wash the affected area for 15 minutes and call info-santé 811.residents of estrie, montérégie and centre-du-québec are also being asked to report raccoons, skunks and foxes that appear sick, injured or unusually aggressive to help monitor the spread of the disease.
share story
