Extension of the ban on transporting certain animals in regions at risk of raccoon rabies spread

QUÉBEC, Aug. 6, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs is announcing the extension, until October 4, 2025, of the ban on transporting certain animals while they are alive within the municipalities surrounding areas where raccoon rabies cases have been confirmed. The ban, issued by ministerial order, applies to the following species: raccoons, striped skunks, gray foxes, red foxes, as well as coyotes and their hybrids. Under the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, anyone who contravenes the ban is liable to penalties, including fines.

As of today, 27 additional municipalities in the Estrie and Montérégie regions are now considered at risk and are subject to this movement ban: Austin, Ayer's Cliff, Barnston-Ouest, Coaticook, Compton, Dixville, East Hereford, Hatley, Magog, Martinville, North Hatley, Ogden, Orford, Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley, Sainte-Edwidge-de-Clifton, Saint-Herménégilde, Sherbrooke, Canton de Stanstead, Ville de Stanstead, Stanstead-Est and Waterville, as well as Brossard, Châteauguay, Longueuil, Mercier and Saint-Lambert. This addition is required due to rabies cases detected in Québec and in the municipality of Derby, Vermont, less than 10 kilometres from the Canada–U.S. border.

Relocating a nuisance animal, an injured animal or one that appears to be orphaned can contribute to spreading rabies to areas that are currently free of the disease. An animal that appears healthy can carry the virus and develop signs of the disease several weeks, or even several months, after becoming infected. In the event of nuisance situations involving these species, residents must use preventive and deterrent measures.

Call for vigilance in Estrie and Montérégie 

The Ministère is asking residents of the Estrie and Montérégie regions to take an active part in enhanced surveillance. Citizens—especially those living in affected areas—are asked to report any dead raccoons, skunks or foxes, or any that appear disoriented, injured, unusually aggressive or paralyzed, by calling 1–877–346–6763 or by filling out the online form.

Rabies can be prevented by adopting safe habits

The following guidelines can help reduce the risk of the disease being transmitted to humans:

• If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, or have come into contact with its saliva, clean the wound (even if it appears minor) with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, then call Info-Santé 811 promptly to obtain appropriate medical care. If the animal is domestic, record the owner's contact information to help assess the risk that the animal may be carrying rabies.
• Consult a veterinarian to have your domestic animals vaccinated against rabies and keep their vaccination up to date, and to assess the risk if they have been in contact with a wild animal or are showing signs consistent with rabies.
• Follow all recommendations to prevent rabies and protect yourself.

What to do to avoid attracting wild animals to your property

• Use sturdy metal or plastic garbage cans with tightly sealed lids kept closed with a latch or elastic band;
• Block openings in buildings and attics, as well as access points under sheds and porches;
• Avoid leaving food for dogs and cats outdoors;
• Avoid setting up feeders for wild birds, or use raccoon-proof feeders;
• Properly fence in chicken coops and vegetable gardens.

Key facts:

• Since December 2024 and as of August 1, 2025, 43 cases of raccoon rabies have been detected in Québec.
• One hundred and sixteen municipalities in Estrie and Montérégie will be affected by a vaccine bait distribution from August 6 to September 20, and additional vaccination efforts will be carried out in the Stanstead area.
• Rabies is a contagious and fatal disease that can infect all mammals, meaning it can be transmitted from an infected animal to a human.

Related links: 

• List of municipalities targeted by the ban on transporting certain live animals
• Information on rabies in animals in Québec and on Animal rabies: surveillance and control | Gouvernement du Québec
• Preventive measures to avoid attracting wild animals to your property (French only)

Source and information:

Media relations
Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs
[email protected]  
Phone: [phone]

SOURCE Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs