RABIES POSITIVE RACOON FOUND ON TRIBAL MEMBER'S PROPERTY
MCA Community Health Services (CHS) is notifying the community about a rabies positive racoon found on a Tribal member’s property.
According to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) Animal Control Program, a racoon was tested and positive test results were reported on June 25, 2026.
In Eastern Ontario, there are no active outbreaks of terrestrial raccoon or fox rabies. However, the rabies virus remains endemic in local bat populations, and health officials are monitoring a growing raccoon rabies outbreak in regions just south and east of Montreal, Quebec.
The areas with the highest risk of terrestrial rabies in Ontario are:
- Southern and eastern Ontario: due to the on-going risk of raccoon variant rabies from the United States and Quebec
- Northern Ontario: due to the on-going risk of Arctic fox variant rabies from endemic areas
Risk of Rabies:
According to Health Canada and other public health agencies, the rabies has 100 percent mortality rate in humans and animals once symptoms appear. The aggressive treatment can prevent the disease from developing in an exposed person. Common carriers of the rabies virus include racoons, skunks, bats, and foxes, community members are urged not to approach sick or injured wildlife as they may be carriers of the virus.
Best Prevention:
- The best way to stay safe is to avoid contact with unknown domestic and wild animals, and especially with mammals, such as racoons, skunks, and foxes.
- To prevent rabies, it is important to avoid exposure to potentially rabid animals and ensure your pets are up to date on vaccinations.
- If a bite or scratch occurs, immediately washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seeking prompt medical care for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are critical to survival.
CHS is advising vigilance for any outdoor domestic animals that may encounter wildlife.
Household pets such as cats and dogs may spread or contract rabies if they were to come in contact with an infected wild animal. Community members are urged to ensure all household pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination.
SRMT Notice:
- Animal Control Program Reports Rabis Positive Raccoon on the Territory: www.srmt-nsn.gov/news/animal-control-program-reports-rabies-positive-raccoon-on-the-territory