Granby — Regional public health officials and management at Zoo de Granby are urging anyone who may have had direct physical contact with a Japanese macaque on Aug. 4 to seek medical assessment after an incident in which a visitor reported sustaining a superficial injury.
What happened
The zoo says an internal review found that, for a brief period, some members of the public were able to access a presentation platform normally reserved for animal-care staff. The platform is located outside the animals' habitat and separated from the macaques by a mesh barrier and a buffer zone, but officials cannot exclude the possibility that other individuals may also have reached through the barrier.
“The safety of our visitors is our highest priority. We are taking this situation very seriously and are acting with transparency and diligence to ensure that anyone who may have been affected can promptly receive the appropriate medical assessment,” said Émilie Laurin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zoo de Granby.
Public-health concern: B virus
Health authorities are focused on the potential transmission of B virus (also known as herpes B virus), a pathogen found in macaque monkeys. Although human infections are extremely rare, medical experts say they can lead to serious complications if not treated without delay.
“Anyone who visited the macaque area during the period in question and had direct physical contact with a macaque, such as a scratch, a bite, or exposure of an open wound or mucous membrane to the animal’s saliva, is asked to contact Info-Santé (811),” said Dr. Mélissa Généreux, Medical Consultant with the Public Health Directorate of Santé Québec Estrie – CHUS.
What visitors should do now
Officials are asking people who visited the macaque exhibit during the limited timeframe on Aug. 4 to check for any possible exposure. The zoo and Santé Québec Estrie recommend contacting Info-Santé (dial 811) if any of the following occurred:
- Direct contact defined as a scratch or bite from a macaque;
- Exposure of an open wound to the animal’s saliva;
- Contact between macaque saliva and mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
The zoo said the individual who reported the injury received first aid on site and was referred to hospital for further assessment. Zoo de Granby added it is working closely with public health to identify and notify anyone who may have been affected.
Zoo actions and next steps
Zoo de Granby said it is conducting an internal review to determine how visitors were able to access the staff-only platform. The establishment stressed the mesh barrier and a buffer zone separate the public area from the animals' holding space, but that those protective measures may have been breached during the brief period in question.
The zoo also emphasised collaboration with Santé Québec Estrie – CHUS as officials carry out their investigation and advise on any follow-up measures. No further details were released about the specific timing beyond the Aug. 4 incident or the number of visitors who may have been present on the platform.
Recognizing the risk and timing
Health experts note that while B virus infections in humans are uncommon, they require prompt evaluation. Early medical assessment improves the chance of appropriate treatment and monitoring for complications. Authorities are prioritizing notification and assessment of anyone who may have experienced exposure as defined by Dr. Généreux.
| Concern | Action |
|---|---|
| Scratch or bite from macaque | Call Info-Santé (811) and seek urgent medical assessment |
| Open wound exposed to saliva | Call Info-Santé (811) and report exposure |
| Saliva contact with mucous membranes | Call Info-Santé (811) and obtain advice |
Zoo de Granby asked the public for patience while it and health authorities complete their review and reach out to those who may be affected. The institution also said it remains committed to visitor safety and will take any necessary steps recommended by public-health officials.
Anyone unsure whether they were in the affected area or whether their contact meets the exposure criteria is advised to call Info-Santé (811) for guidance.
