Raccoon Rabies Kills a Young Cow in Estrie, Says MAPAQ
A young, unvaccinated cow died of raccoon rabies on October 30, 2026, in a pasture in Coaticook, in the Estrie region, according to the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) as reported by Noovo Info.
- An unvaccinated young cow in Coaticook died of raccoon rabies on October 30, 2026, with the positive test confirmed on November 4 by MAPAQ.
- Quebec agricultural authorities state that the risk of transmission through milk or meat consumption is non-existent in Canada.
- Producers in designated regions can access government financial support to vaccinate outdoor-reared livestock.
The Coaticook Case Details
The young heifer displayed symptoms on October 30 and died on the same day. MAPAQ veterinarian Isabelle Picard described the clinical signs to Noovo Info, noting that the animal could not stand on its legs, salivated heavily, and pedaled with its paws. The diagnostic test returned positive on November 4.
This event marks the first documented case of raccoon rabies in a cow in Quebec since the current outbreak began in 2024. Because rabies is a legally notifiable disease in the province, the attending veterinarian was required to alert MAPAQ.
Raccoon Rabies Cases Increase Across Quebec Regions
More than 300 cases of raccoon rabies have been detected across Quebec since the beginning of 2026, including three infections in domestic cats in the Montérégie region. In the Memphrémagog MRC alone, 20 cases have been confirmed this year, doubling the count recorded up to September. Recent local discoveries include cases in Ogden, Austin, and Hatley.
Michel Brien, regional president of the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) in Estrie, told Noovo Info that while the case came as a surprise, local veterinarians had raised awareness about the situation during the spring. He noted that most pastures in Estrie border forests, creating natural exposure points to wildlife.
Vaccination and Control Measures Curb Animal Spread
To curb further spread, the owner of the affected farm and their veterinarian implemented control measures with MAPAQ support. MAPAQ considers the overall risk of herd-to-herd propagation low because transmission between farm animals is rare. Nevertheless, the remaining animals on the farm are scheduled for vaccination.
Financial assistance has been available since May 15, 2026, for registered farms raising cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs outdoors in Estrie, Montérégie, and parts of Centre-du-Québec. The subsidy covers veterinary travel fees, professional fees, materials, and vaccine costs. Isabelle Picard stated that over 712 farms have received visits for vaccination or guidance so far.
Christian Kaiser, president of the Producers of Milk of Estrie, told Noovo Info that he feels a certain level of concern and urges producers to vaccinate their animals and secure barns against wildlife. Addressing public safety concerns, Isabelle Picard emphasized that milk is not associated with transmission pathways, confirming there is no risk to consumers in Quebec.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.