Alabama Horse Tests Positive for Rabies

An investigation was begun September 22 after a horse in Coffee County, Alabama, was confirmed positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal if untreated.

The horse’s owners told the Alabama Department of Health that they noticed the horse had scratch marks on her nose and she began rubbing and showing irritation there. A friendly horse, they assumed the scratches came from a fox or raccoon that she had approached. The ill horse stopped eating, symptoms worsened over the 72 hours before her death, and she became violent and began attacking and biting herself.

The horse’s body was initially submitted to the J.B. Taylor Diagnostic Laboratory of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in Elba. Samples were sent to the Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories in Mobile which confirmed that the horse was positive for rabies.

Other unvaccinated horses on the property are being observed for a period of time. The owner, family members, and a neighbor who was exposed have begun rabies post-exposure treatment.

Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, said, “Rabies is not as common in horses as in wildlife and domestic animals, but it is not rare. Rabies vaccines are available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. I encourage all horse owners to make rabies a part of their annual vaccination even though it is not legally required like in dogs and cats.”

Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers. Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure that their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposures to their medical provider and ADPH.

In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposures to rabies:

• Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.