The objective is to curb the propagation of rage of the raccoon, a contagious and fatal disease which can affect humans, after the discovery of more than 30 cases of the disease in raccoons in Quebec since December 2024.
The distribution of vaccine baits will be made in three ways, or by plane (from August 6 to 9), by hand (from August 9) and by helicopter (from September 8) in 48 municipalities throughout the Estian territory.
During this period, the ministry’s teams will cover a territory of 7,016 km² to spread around 635,000 vaccine baits in wooded areas, on the banks of watercourses, on the edge of agricultural fields and abandoned buildings and near the trash.
Vaccinal bait looks like a sachet of greenish ketchup or khaki green ravioli, and it gives off a sweet odor attractive to targeted species. Because of its color, it merges with the environment and it is difficult to spot for humans.
Risk Stanstead
The risk of introducing rage of raccoon from Vermont is currently very high for the municipality of Stanstead and the surrounding area. Cases of rage were discovered in early July 2025 in the municipality of Derby, Vermont, less than 10 kilometers from the Canadian-American border.
Additional vaccination interventions will take place in this sector of Estrie from August 5. This operation will take place on a territory of approximately 100 km² covering the municipalities of Barnstorn-Ouest, Odgen, Stanstead and Stanstead-Est.
The work will be carried out by wildlife and animal health professionals, who will capture the rats washer and the skuffs using cages to vaccinate them and release them on the spot.