Rabies vaccination campaign began Sunday

Beginning Sunday, August 20, the Government of Québec is spreading vaccine baits on various territories, including the Eastern Townships, in order to maintain and strengthen the immunization of raccoons, skunks, and foxes against rabies.

Depending on the area, spreading will be done by air or by hand. Between August 19 and 24 inclusive, airplanes will fly at low altitudes, particularly over woodlands, covering an area of approximately 2,640 square kilometres. The goal is to release almost 290,000 rabies vaccine baits in almost 50 municipalities in Estrie and Montérégie.

From August 25 to September 12 inclusive, manual spreading will be conducted primarily in agricultural areas or near residences to target locations where raccoons, skunks, and foxes may be hiding. Among the areas targeted are woodlands, riverbanks and rubbish bins.

A territory of nearly 3,700 square kilometres will be covered by teams from the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks to spread 260,000 vaccine baits in the Montérégie and the parks of Montreal.

The ministry also advises that, in case of bites, scratches, or any other contact with an animal’s saliva, a wound should be cleaned thoroughly, even if it is minor in appearance, with soap and water for 10 minutes and that victims contact Info-santé as soon as possible at 811 for proper medical follow-up.

On the other hand, citizens living in surveillance and control areas can make an important contribution to the fight against raccoon rabies and are advised to report raccoons, skunks, and foxes that are dead or that appear injured or abnormally aggressive

They are also advised to never approach an unknown animal, wild or domestic, even if it looks harmless, and to get pets vaccinated against rabies by consulting your veterinarian. It is also suggested that residents take steps not to attract unwanted animals onto their property.