Rabies in Horses

When we think of rabies, we typically do not think of it infecting our livestock.  In North Carolina, dogs, cats, and ferrets are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, and sheep) are not required to receive a rabies vaccine.

North Carolina averages around five cases of livestock rabies each year.  For 2017, there have already been five cases.  State Veterinarian Doug Meckes is encouraging North Carolina livestock owners to consider having their animals vaccinated against rabies.  “Horses, cattle and goats are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line,” Meckes said.  The vaccine can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian, certified vaccinator, or a registered veterinary technician that is supervised by a licensed veterinarian.  You will need to have written verification and vaccinate yearly.

How do you know if your horse has been exposed to rabies?  Since rabies is primarily transmitted in saliva through a bite, there are three ways to determine exposure:

1– Direct visualization of a known rabid animal biting the horse.

2– Evidence of a bite wound from a known rabid animal.

3– Rabies vector species (fox raccoon, etc.) has been seen near the wounded horse.

What does rabies look like in horses? 

 Equine rabies symptoms include lameness, poor coordination, drooped head/lips, difficulty   swallowing, focusing on the bite wound, aggressive behavior, and paralysis.  Rabies in horses has been known to mimic colic symptoms!

Photo Credit: TheHorse.com

 The incubation for rabies is between two weeks and six months. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.  I would encourage you to talk to your veterinarian about the risk of rabies in your area and preventative vaccinations.  For more information:

http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/FactSheets/Rabies.htm

Information Source: NCDA&CS