My Horse Might Have Rabies … What Now?

Learn how to protect yourself when dealing with a horse that could be infected with rabies.
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QWhat should you do if you suspect that your horse has rabies? How should you handle him to keep from getting it yourself?


A Any horse that you suspect may have rabies should be immediately isolated from all other horses and animals. The horse should be carefully observed for a period of at least 45 days. In addition an accurate list of all exposed or potentially exposed persons should be maintained. And call your veterinarian!

To keep from getting exposure from your horse, you should avoid contact with the horse as much as possible and especially avoid any contact with saliva or blood from the horse. Keep it isolated with food and water available at all times. The horse should be examined daily for any signs of neurological disease and if these signs are observed one should consider euthanasia

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Written by:

Steve Reed, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, earned his DVM at The Ohio State University, followed by a residency at Michigan State University. He started his academic teaching career at Washington State University from 1979-1983, and then returned to Ohio State where he spent 26 years as a professor and mentor in the equine medicine department. Reed is a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is a noted author and editor of numerous scientific articles and textbooks. He has spoken at many state, national, and international meetings. His primary research interests include equine neurologic diseases. He is currently an internal medicine specialist and shareholder at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Emeritus Professor of The Ohio State University, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Kentucky, and the chairman of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Advisory Committee.

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