Two cases of rabies in Quebec wildlife in December 2024
Two cases of rabies were diagnosed by the CWHC-Québec (CQSAS) in December 2024. The first case was observed on December 17 in a raccoon exhibiting neurological signs in Saint-Armand, less than 2 km from the United States border (Vermont). The animal was retrieved by a technician from the rabies surveillance program of the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), and submitted for analysis. A post-mortem examination of the animal revealed that this animal was affected by encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) with the presence of Negri bodies, suggesting an infection with the rabies virus (Figure 1). Rabies was confirmed in this animal by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which identified the virus as belonging to the raccoon variant. The raccoon variant of rabies is primarily found in raccoons and striped skunks in the eastern United States. Cases of this variant have also been documented in Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Since rabies cases had been reported in recent weeks in Vermont, a few kilometres from the Quebec border, the rabies surveillance program had been intensified in this area. This case is of public health concern as it is the first documented case of the raccoon variant of rabies in Quebec since 2015. This variant presents a risk of spreading in Montérégie and Estrie. The MELCCFP, in collaboration with its partners, is currently exploring actions to limit the spread of this variant in Quebec. Potential measures may include enhancing the raccoon vaccination program in the spring.
A second case of rabies was diagnosed in a red fox observed on December 19 in northern Quebec. This fox, which also displayed neurological symptoms, was euthanized and submitted for analysis. As for the raccoon, rabies was confirmed in this animal by the CFIA. In this case, the Arctic fox variant was involved. Arctic fox rabies is endemic (present continuously) in northern Canada, including northern Quebec, with cycles that vary depending on factors such as the density of Arctic fox populations. It appears that the Arctic fox population is very abundant in northern Quebec this winter, which may explain the occurrence of an outbreak of rabies cases in this area. In Quebec, during Arctic fox rabies outbreaks, cases may be observed in Nunavik, but also in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, and Baie-James.
Sections de cerveau du raton laveur affecté par la rage. On note la présence de cellules inflammatoires autour d’un vaisseau (flèches). Le cytoplasme de certains neurones contient des corps de Négri (pointes de flèches – petits points roses).
Rabies is a potentially fatal zoonosis. Both humans and domestic animals can become infected through a bite, scratch, or contact with the saliva of a rabid animal. Given the zoonotic risk and the severity of this condition, it is important to vaccinate our pets against the virus. In the event of potential human exposure, a consulting physician may prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis, which is effective if administered before symptoms begin. In the case of bites or other skin injuries caused by a wild mammal, the wound should be cleaned with soap for 15 minutes, and health services should be contacted promptly via Info-Santé 811, or other provincial health services. If you observe a dead or neurologically symptomatic raccoon, skunk, or fox (paralysis, aggression, disorientation, etc.) in the following Quebec regions: Montérégie, Estrie, Nunavik, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, and Baie-James, you can report it by contacting the MELCCFP at 1-877-346-6763. For more information on raccoon rabies in Quebec, please visit the following website: https://www.quebec.ca/en/agriculture-environment-and-natural-resources/animal-health/animal-diseases/list-animal-diseases/rabies-in-animals/rabies-surveillance-operation
Stéphane Lair, CWHC-QUÉBEC / CQSAS
