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Homework Help: Science: Biology: Rabies in Horses
by Taylor Jepsen
Although statistics show rabies in horses is relatively uncommon, a new puppy to
our farm put all of our horses at risk to this fatal disease. My name is Taylor
Jepsen from the conquistador's 4-h club Clay County and I am going to discuss
the causes, diagnosis, treatment and control of rabies in horses.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system. Horses usually
contract the virus from the saliva of an infected animal. This can be from a
bite or saliva contaminating an open wound. Carriers can be unimmunized cats or
dogs. In our area, skunks and raccoons are the primary way horse's contract
rabies. Horses are very curious especially foals/weanlings, they will
investigate wildlife roaming the pasture. This exposes them to bites on the nose
or lips.
Incubation of the rabies virus is usually 2 to 6 weeks, but can be up to 3
months. Diagnosing rabies can be difficult because of the wide range of clinical
signs. The most important thing to remember when dealing with unexplained
symptoms, think rabies first. The most common sign is behavioral. Horses may
become dull and depressed. A low grade fever is usually present with
convulsions, increased sensitivity to the injury site and anorexia. Symptoms
progress quickly over 5-7 days resulting mostly in death. Rabies is usually
undiagnosed at the beginning of symptoms because the horse is still calm, alert
and eating. A veterinarian will attempt to rule out other illnesses such as
tetanus, botulism, lead, plant, moldy corn poisoning or trauma to the brain or
spinal cord.
Positive diagnosis can only be performed post mortem threw a fluorescent anti
body test to section of the brain. A positive test means treatment should be
started immediately for any person who has come in contact with the rabid
animal. At present time, there is no treatment for rabies. Post vaccination of
the animal is not useful because the horse will die before immunity has time to
develop. In humans, a series of shots is given, but this must be before the
onset of symptoms. If horses had previously been immunized an immediate booster
must be given. Strict quarantine and observation are mandatory. If symptoms
develop, the horse must be humanely destroyed and the head sent on for
diagnosis.
Horses can be vaccinated for rabies. Vaccinated should begin at 3-4 months with
a booster annually. Several steps can be taken to protect your horses against
rabies. First, develop a routine yearly vaccination program for the horses,
cats, and dogs on your farm. Discourage adoption of wild animals as pets and be
on alert for wild animals that exhibit strange behavior.
Let's review what we have learned:
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system. Horses contract
rabies through the bite or saliva of a rabid animal. Symptoms can include
behavioral changes, fever, convulsions and increased sensitivity to the injury.
Correct diagnoses can only be obtained post mortem. There is no treatment for
rabies in horses, although prevention includes a yearly vaccination program.
Because the new puppy to our farm tested positive for rabies- all 14 people who
had contact with it had to be immunized with a series for 6-9 shots depending on
weight. Our unimmunized barn cats had to be put to sleep. All horses had to have
their boosters immediately and were quarantined for 6 months. We were lucky that
none of the horses were infected. We have however learned a valuable lesson, how
to detect rabies in animals, how to keep our animals safe and no more free
puppies!
Homework Help: Science: Biology
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