SASKATCHEWAN — Saskatchewan has recorded 15 confirmed rabies cases so far this year, all involving bats, according to chief veterinary officer Stephanie Smith.
Smith says submissions for testing have increased over the past month or two, with six positive cases recorded in August.
“This is the common time of year to be seeing detections, but compared to other years, it's kind of been on par,” Smith said.
The province recorded about 20 detections throughout 2025, meaning Saskatchewan’s current total is not considered unusual for this point in the year.
What stands out in 2026 is the absence of rabies in skunks. Smith says Saskatchewan has not detected the virus in a skunk since 2021, although other provinces continue to report cases in the species.
“The one unique thing that we have seen in Saskatchewan is actually the absence of detection,” she said.
There is no confirmed explanation for the change, although Smith says officials suspect other factors may have affected the skunk population.
Sept. 28 is World Rabies Day, drawing attention to the prevention of a disease that is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms develop. Saskatchewan has recorded two human rabies deaths since national surveillance began in 1924.
The immediate concern for residents is exposure, particularly when bats enter homes.
Smith says people may not realize they have been bitten or scratched, making seemingly minor encounters important to report.
“Always advise precaution,” she said. “With something like rabies, it is absolutely fatal.”
Anyone who may have been exposed should wash the affected area immediately and contact HealthLine 811, a health-care provider or an emergency department. Prompt medical assessment can determine whether post-exposure treatment is required.
For pets, Smith says vaccination provides an important layer of protection, even for animals that never go outside.
“With the fact that we've seen rabies in bats so frequently this year, oftentimes that's indoor exposure,” she said.
A bat entering a home can put pets at risk, particularly cats that interact with the animal. Anyone who believes a pet has encountered a bat, skunk or other potentially infected animal should contact a veterinarian. The province’s Rabies Risk Assessment Veterinarian can help determine what happens next.
Smith also cautions against treating bats simply as a threat. They are protected in Saskatchewan and play an important ecological role.
If bats are getting into a home, office or other building, she recommends contacting the Ministry of Environment for guidance on safe exclusion. The timing matters because some methods can harm the animals.
“We do want those species around,” Smith said. “It's just about taking responsible steps and preventing risk where we can.”
For Smith, World Rabies Day comes down to recognizing an exposure and acting before it is too late.
“Bottom line for me is we have a vaccine,” she said. “It works well. And please, please do report and, you know, get help if you ever have that exposure occur.”
