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Notice: As of June 1, 2026, rabies testing services will no longer be provided at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) National Centre for Animal Disease in Lethbridge. All samples nationwide must be directed to the CFIA Ottawa Animal Health Laboratory.
The CFIA continues to perform and cover costs for testing involving rabies-suspect animals that may have exposed domestic animals and/or humans to the virus.
In some provinces, veterinary staff (veterinarians and/or technicians) may be involved in rabies response duties. To support practitioner involvement in these duties, CFIA’s rabies guidance material is available on CVMA’s website to provide specific guidance on rabies-suspect sample collection, submission, etc. Veterinarians are advised to contact their provincial veterinary authority (i.e., Chief Veterinary Office or equivalent) for specific information on rabies management in their province, and their possible involvement in rabies response activities.
Veterinarians should continue to contact local public health authorities whenever a person is bitten by an animal (wild or domestic) and for any public health concerns associated with rabies.
Guidance Documents
- General Information and Supporting Guidelines
- Summary: Sample collection and submission to the CFIA Rabies Laboratory
- Completing the Electronic Submission Form
- Packaging of Samples
- Weekend and Holiday Testing
- Human Specimens