These Quebec municipalities should be on alert for rabid raccoons and other wildlife
The Quebec Ministry of Environment (MELCCFP) is warning residents south of Montreal to report any animal suspected of having rabies, particularly raccoons.
The ministry cites the recent rise in raccoon rabies numbers south of the border in the U.S. as a cause to be extra vigilant when interacting with the nocturnal regulars around garbage cans and camp sites.
"To reduce the risk of this disease returning to Quebec, the ministry is carefully monitoring the situation and working closely with American authorities, who have deployed broad-based action to limit the extent of the outbreak," the ministry said in a news release.
Quebec is calling for vigilance in 18 communities seen on the map below.
Note: This map has been updated to include 18 more municipalities in the Eastern Townships
The following municipalities are on alert: Bedford, Clarenceville, Dunham, Frelighsburg, Henryville, Lacolle, Notre-Dame-de-Stanbridge, Noyan, Pike River, Saint-Armand, Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge, Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix, Saint-Sébastien, Saint-Valentin, Stanbridge East, Stanbridge Station and Venise-en-Québec.
Those who see a dead, disoriented, injured or abnormally aggressive or paralyzed raccoon, skunk or fox are asked to call 1-877-346-6763 or complete an online form on the ministry's site.
Do not touch a dead animal under any circumstances, the ministry warns. Those who are bitten or scratched by an animal should wash the wound with soap immediately for a full 10 minutes and call 811 as a follow-up.
The following is a list of rules to avoid attracting or coming into contact with wild animals such as raccoons:
- Don't approach unknown wild or domestic animals, even friendly-looking ones.
- Store outdoor garbage cans and containers out of reach of animals.
- Feed pets indoors.
- See a vet and get your pet vaccinated against rabies.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.