Quebec expands transport ban on wildlife to curb raccoon rabies in 53 municipalities
Quebec expands ban on moving rabies-vector wildlife to 53 municipalities to curb raccoon rabies; officials urge reporting, pet vaccinations and safe yards.
Quebec’s environment ministry has expanded a temporary ban on transporting animals that can carry raccoon rabies to 53 municipalities in Estrie, Montérégie and the Centre‑du‑Québec region. The move targets raccoons, striped skunks, red and gray foxes, coyotes and their hybrids as officials work to halt further spread of the virus. The ministry says the restrictions, which came into force on Friday, are intended to protect public health and wildlife and are slated to remain in place until October 6 unless extended.
Transport ban expanded to Estrie, Montérégie and Centre‑du‑Québec
The new prohibition prevents residents, commercial operators and professional trappers from relocating or transporting designated species across municipal lines within the affected zones. Authorities say preventing even short-distance movements of potentially infected animals reduces the chance of seeding new outbreaks and complicating vaccine distribution. Enforcement applies to everyone, including companies and licensed trappers, with no exemptions announced.
Species covered and temporary timeline
Alongside raccoons, the ministry’s order explicitly names striped skunks, red and gray foxes, and coyotes and their hybrids as animals subject to the transport restriction. Officials have tied the measure to targeted vaccination campaigns and capture operations already underway in the region. The ministry indicated the ban began this week and will remain in force through October 6, with the possibility of extension if surveillance finds continued risk.
Infected stray cat in Godmanchester raises alarm
Health authorities pointed to a recent case in Godmanchester in Montérégie in which a stray cat tested positive for rabies, underscoring the risk to companion animals and people. Three individuals received post‑exposure preventive treatment after being bitten and scratched by that cat late last month. The ministry is using the incident to stress the importance of pet vaccination and caution around wild or unfamiliar animals.
Provincewide scope and ongoing vaccination efforts
The transport restrictions add to measures rolled out across Quebec since June 2025; in total, authorities say 283 municipalities have now been subject to movement controls at various times during the response. Wildlife protection agents have distributed oral vaccine baits and conducted targeted captures in hotspot zones to limit transmission. The ministry has reported several hundred detections of raccoon rabies since late 2024 and cautions those figures likely understate the true extent of circulation.
Pest control companies forced to change methods
Local pest control firms say the ban has required rapid changes to how they manage wildlife conflicts on private property. Technicians can no longer remove animals and release them elsewhere; instead, captured animals must be handled on site and released only within their original capture zone if relocation is permitted. Operators report a rise in urgent building‑sealing work to prevent repeat entries, which can lengthen service times and add to costs for homeowners.
Operational and financial pressure on exterminators
Company leaders warn the measures increase the complexity of interventions and can push up customer bills when immediate repairs are needed to seal entry points. Some firms have paused relocation services completely for the duration of the ban and are instead referring calls to licensed trappers or focusing on proofing buildings. Where suspicion of rabies exists, businesses say they promptly refer animals and cases to provincial authorities rather than handling animals themselves.
How the public should report suspect animals and protect pets
Residents in the affected regions are urged to report dead or abnormal wild animals, or animals that appear disoriented, injured, unusually aggressive or paralyzed by calling 1‑877‑346‑6763 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by using the ministry’s online reporting form. Pet owners are strongly advised to ensure vaccinations are up to date, especially for cats, which are noted to be at heightened risk. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and contact Info‑Santé at 811 immediately for medical advice.
Practical steps to reduce wildlife attraction at home
Authorities and pest managers recommend simple prevention measures: secure garbage and compost, protect poultry and gardens, and block access points above porches and into attics or crawlspaces. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors or feeding birds during heightened alert periods, as feeders can draw opportunistic mammals like raccoons and skunks. Making properties less attractive to wildlife reduces encounters and the potential for disease transmission.
Raccoon rabies is a fatal disease for humans and animals if untreated, and public health officials say vigilance is essential while response measures continue. Residents in Estrie, Montérégie and the Centre‑du‑Québec region are asked to follow ministry guidance, report suspect animals promptly and keep pets current on vaccinations to protect households and communities.
