A Godmanchester, Que., woman received preventive rabies treatment after a stray cat latched onto her leg in an unprovoked attack, marking a rare transmission of raccoon rabies to a domestic animal in the province. According to Mary Elizabeth Doyle, the incident occurred on July 16 when the animal bit and scratched her outside her home, leading to confirmed tests and post-exposure treatments for three individuals in the Montérégie region.
Rabies Exposure Leads to Preventive Treatment for Three People
Mary Elizabeth Doyle was walking up her laneway on July 16 when a stray cat attacked without warning. “I came up my laneway, nothing on the laneway, and then out of nowhere a cat latched onto my leg,” Doyle said. “It was biting and scratching.” She attempted to pull the animal away before hitting her hand against a Jeep to dislodge it, then called 911.
The cat struck a second time after paramedics arrived, biting an ambulance driver before being restrained. Doyle was transported to a hospital, where medical staff cleaned and stitched her wounds before administering preventive rabies treatment. Days later, laboratory results confirmed the animal had tested positive for rabies.
“I’m concerned about other animals being around, other cats being infected,” Doyle said.
Last week, the province’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food confirmed the case, which represents Quebec’s first case of raccoon rabies in a stray cat. On Thursday, the local health authority announced that three people in the Montérégie region have received preventive treatment, known as post-exposure prophylaxis, following potential exposure.
Did You Know?
Post-exposure prophylaxis is very effective at preventing rabies from developing if administered following an at-risk exposure, according to local health authorities.
Health Authorities Urge Immediate Action After Animal Contacts
Chantal Vallée, a spokesperson for the regional health authority, explained via email that preventive treatments are given to individuals who experience risky contact with a rabid animal to stop the fatal disease from developing. “We wish to emphasize the importance for anyone who has been bitten, scratched or in contact with the saliva of a suspicious animal to wash their skin for 15 minutes and call Info-Santé at 811 immediately so that preventive treatment can be administered,” Vallée wrote. She also advised avoiding all contact with wild or unfamiliar animals, regardless of whether they appear harmless, healthy, or dead.
Dr. Alex-Ane Mathieu, a doctor in the Montérégie region, stated that rabies is spreading quickly. The health authority is actively raising awareness and urging residents to seek evaluations if they have touched an unknown or wild animal. Mathieu noted that prophylaxis treatments can be administered even if the animal, such as a bat, cannot be tested.
Understanding Raccoon Rabies Transmission Risks in Pets
The confirmed case highlights that raccoon rabies, which is already present among wild populations in parts of Quebec, can spread to domestic animals, according to a Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food news release. Dr. Michael Libman, director of the J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill University, noted that rabies is not new to the province and is typically found in bats, though any mammal can contract it.
“Animals typically transmit to each other and to humans with a bite,” Libman said. While raccoons are not agile or fast enough to easily catch a dog or cat, transmission does occur. Libman added that while dogs transmit rabies in much of the world, local pets are generally protected through vaccination. “If you own a pet, the easiest by far is to have your pet get its various shots. One of them is rabies. It’s very effective.”
Since January 1, 2026, health officials have confirmed 118 cases of raccoon rabies, a figure that has climbed drastically in recent years. The variant primarily affects raccoons and striped skunks. Between 2006 and 2009, cases appeared in Quebec after the disease likely crossed the border from Vermont via the natural movement of raccoons. Although a single case detected near the Ontario and U.S. border in 2015 was successfully eliminated through control and surveillance operations, raccoon rabies returned from Vermont in late 2024, with subsequent detections in the Eastern Townships and Montérégie regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal?
Wash your skin immediately for 15 minutes and call Info-Santé at 811 right away to get evaluated for preventive treatment, according to the regional health authority.
Can domestic pets contract raccoon rabies?
Yes. Ministry officials and medical experts confirm that while the disease primarily affects wild raccoons and skunks, it can be transmitted to domestic animals, making pet vaccinations critical.
How widespread is raccoon rabies in Quebec?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has confirmed 118 cases of raccoon rabies since January 1, 2026, with detections concentrated in regions including Montérégie and the Eastern Townships.
Stay Informed on Local Health Updates
Have you noticed unusual wildlife behavior in your neighborhood? Share your observations in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on public health and safety in your area.