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Livestock alert: Watch for rabiesBy Michael Fisher Area Livestock Extension Agent, Golden Plains Area In 300 B.C., the Greek philosopher Aristotle described the mode of transfer and subsequent host death for the disease that we know as rabies. In 2008, the disease is still an issue and has recently been a problem in the Golden Plains of Colorado. It is believed that any warm-blooded animal that comes into direct contact with the rabies virus has the potential of contracting the disease. However, some species are more susceptible to the disease than others. Researchers have listed the top five susceptible species as the fox, skunk, cattle, dogs, and cats. The disease is typically transferred by a bite, but can also be transmitted through an open wound or mucous membranes. Once the virus has entered a new host, it follows the nervous system from the entry point to the brain. The time between exposure to the disease and the onset of clinical signs can be as little as 10 days or as long as 6 months. Typically, this incubation period will take three to six weeks. Once clinical signs are apparent, death is likely to follow in three to 10 days. There are many signs that suggest rabies in an animal. Some of these can be host specific or related to the strain of the rabies virus that you are dealing with. Oftentimes, the signs may simply be "acting strange." Perhaps the host animal will be depressed or lethargic and may not be eating or drinking. Some animals may become vicious and attack anything that moves and sometimes things that do not move. One of the later signs is that the animal may not be able to swallow and begins to froth at the mouth. Rabies may be classified as either dumb or furious rabies. Sixty percent of dog cases are the dumb variety. These animals may have a paralyzed mouth and/or tongue. Sometimes the paralysis will begin in the hindquarters and move forward. Those with furious rabies will hide in dark locations, become restless, vocal and potentially vicious. They may roam for miles and attack anything that gets in their way. Infected cattle and horses usually suffer from the furious variety. However, they, too, can contract the dumb rabies. Watch for cattle and horses to paw the ground and chase other animals. They may also run into walls, fences, and other solid objects. Cattle with rabies may develop an unusual sounding bellow that persists up to their death. Rabid horses are prone to biting themselves. If you suspect that you may have a case of rabies on your ranch or farm, you should contact your veterinarian immediately and take precautions to protect yourself and your family from contracting the disease. In some cases, your veterinarian will want to put the suspect animal under quarantine and observation. In other cases, the animal may be euthanized and tested for the disease. The rabies test requires that brain tissue be used for the test. Therefore, if you are forced to put down a rabies suspected animal yourself, be careful not to destroy the animal's brain tissue in the process. Due to recent concerns in the Golden Plains Area, Dr. Roger Ellis, CSU Extension veterinarian, put out a Veterinary Beef Bulletin last week that discusses the issues of rabies in cattle and subsequent human exposure. That bulletin can be found on our website at http://goldenplains.colostate.edu/. 5/5/08 Date: 4/30/08
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