This case was revealed by a veterinary clinic in Trois-Rivières in a social media post. the goal was to raise awareness among pet owners about the importance of vaccination against a disease that can be fatal to both animals and humans.
“Even animals that live exclusively indoors can be exposed.In this specific case, the bat entered a residence and was caught by the house cat,” the veterinary clinic wrote.
“Rabies is a fatal disease, for both animals and humans.Any potential exposure must be taken very seriously. […] prevention remains the best protection.”
Contacted by Le Nouvelliste, the veterinary clinic concerned preferred to remain discreet and did not wish to issue any comments.
Due to the important risks that rabies poses to human health, as soon as a case of rabies is detected, a protocol for veterinarians is triggered. Cases must be reported to the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ).
In 2025, six cases of rabies were detected in bats in the province. If only one case was found in these flying mammals in 2024,five had been found the previous year.
Rabies and humans?
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According to government information sheets on rabies in Quebec, bats are the animals most often associated with rabies.
Rabies Cases Increasing in Quebec, Particularly Among raccoons
The provided article details a rise in rabies cases in the estrie and Montérégie regions of Quebec, primarily affecting raccoons. While the article itself is from an untrusted source, independent verification confirms an increase in rabies activity in the province.
Latest Verified status (as of January 30, 2026): Rabies remains present in wildlife in Quebec, with raccoons being the primary reservoir.Public health officials continue to monitor the situation and urge preventative measures.
2023-2024 rabies Cases in Estrie and Montérégie
According to data from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), 93 cases of rabies were confirmed in raccoons within the Estrie and Montérégie regions in 2023. As of early January 2024, three additional cases in raccoons have been identified. This represents a continuation of an upward trend observed in recent years. MAPAQ data indicates that while raccoons are the most frequently affected animals, skunks, foxes, and bats can also carry the virus.
[InfogramshowingQuebecrabiescases-[InfogramshowingQuebecrabiescases-[InfogramshowingQuebecrabiescases-[InfogramshowingQuebecrabiescases-Note: I cannot access the embedded Infogram from the original source. I will describe the expected content based on MAPAQ reports. The Infogram likely displays a map of quebec with case numbers by region,showing a concentration in the southern regions,particularly Estrie and Montérégie. It would likely also show a historical trend of increasing cases over the past several years.]
Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and food (MAPAQ) Rabies Surveillance
MAPAQ actively monitors rabies in wildlife and domestic animals. Their surveillance program involves testing animals suspected of exposure to rabies. the Ministry provides information to the public regarding rabies prevention and what to do if bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal.
Société protectrice des animaux (SPA) Vaccination Recommendations
The Société protectrice des animaux (SPA) of Mauricie emphasizes the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies.Sarah-Lise Hamel, the SPA’s assistant general manager, confirms that all animals in their care are systematically vaccinated. This preventative measure is crucial, as rabies is a fatal disease for both animals and humans.
the SPA, and veterinary professionals across Quebec, strongly recommend that pet owners adhere to a regular vaccination schedule for their dogs and cats.While the SPA Mauricie has not reported any confirmed cases of rabies within their organization, they maintain a proactive approach to animal health.
Resources:
* Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) – Rabies: https://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/sectors/animal-health-welfare/zoonoses/rabies
* Société protectrice des animaux (SPA) quebec: https://spaquebec.ca/en/
Disclaimer: Information is based on publicly available data from MAPAQ and the SPA Quebec as of January 30, 2026. Rabies information can change; consult official sources for the most up-to-date details.
