Equine Rabies: What You Should Know About this Fatal Disease

Few diseases are more feared than rabies, and for good reason. One of the scariest things about the disease is that it is one of the hardest to recognize in horses. The signs are extremely variable, from mild depressive behavior to frightening aggression.

While the incidence of rabies is low, the fatality rate is high: 100%. There is also significant and serious potential for human exposure with any case of rabies. That’s why rabies vaccination is considered a core vaccine recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners—every horse should be vaccinated, every year.

We see an increased incidence of rabies infections in horses and other livestock in the late summer due to peaks in wildlife populations. Horses contract rabies through the bite of an infected (rabid) animal, such as a raccoon, fox, skunk, or bat. A horse’s curiosity can get the best of him, with bites typically occurring on the horse’s face and muzzle or lower limbs. Stalled horses are just as likely to be exposed as horses in pastures.

Rabies can look like anything. Remain extremely cautious and call your veterinarian immediately if your horse has any of the following signs:

Incoordination (ataxia)
Urinary incontinence
Poor performance
Difficulty swallowing
Lameness
Colic
Bizarre behavior ranging from stupor to aggression and self-mutilation
Abnormal vocalization
Paralysis
Because there is no cure, rabies prevention focuses on annual vaccination. Talk to your veterinarian today to ensure your horse is up-to-date on rabies vaccination. For more information, visit www.getvaccinatingright.com.