Oklahoma Quarter Horse Contracts Rabies

The 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding from Caddo County was not current on vaccinations and died.
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The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) has reported that an Oklahoma horse was confirmed positive for  rabies.

“A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding from Anadarko, Oklahoma (Caddo County), presented to a referral hospital Aug. 5 with a temperature of 103.5, ataxia (incoordination), and depression,” the EDCC statement read. “The horse was not current on vaccinations and died. Brain samples submitted to the Oklahoma State Department of Health were positive for rabies virus by direct fluorescent antibody testing on Aug. 11.”

Rabies—a zoonotic disease that can be spread from animals to humans—is caused by a lyssavirus that affects the neurologic system and salivary glands. Horses are exposed most commonly through the bite of another rabid animal.

In horses rabies’ clinical signs are variable and can take up to 12 weeks to appear after the initial infection. Although affected horses are sometimes asymptomatic, an infected horse can show behavioral changes such as drowsiness, depression, fear, or aggression. Once clinical signs appear, there are no treatment options

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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