Montreal to Deploy Sweet-Smelling Vaccinated Baits in Parks to Prevent Rabies Outbreak
In the coming weeks, teams of workers in Montreal will be strategically placing sweet-smelling baits containing a rabies vaccine in parks across the city. This initiative aims to prevent the spread of the deadly disease and safeguard both humans and animals.
The provincial environment department announced its plan to distribute around 815,000 baits in regions surrounding Montreal, including Estrie, Montérégie, and Centre-du-Québec, in addition to nine parks within the city. These baits, resembling small green ravioli packets, will be carefully spread by hand to ensure effective coverage.
Montreal has seen a concerning rise in rabies cases this year, with 171 reported cases in raccoons and two cases in cats. Furthermore, there have been seven instances of bat rabies, with one case identified in Montreal in late July.
To protect themselves and their pets, individuals are advised not to handle the baits directly. If relocation is necessary, gloves or a shovel should be used, followed by thorough handwashing.
