The Missouri health department says one of the horses shown at the state fair has died from rabies.
  
The horse was noticed to be sick Aug. 17 and died two days later. It was shown in the Saddlebred Show and stabled in Barn C. The horse was dark red with a black mane, tail, and legs.
  
Public Health Veterinarian Howard Pue said people who petted the horse or attended an event where it was present aren’t at risk for rabies. He said rabies is transmitted in saliva through bites, into open wounds or through the eyes, nose, mouth, or mucous membranes.
  
State health officials said those who had contact with the horse’s saliva between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 should contact their doctor.

Editor’s Note: Any mammal can get rabies, including humans. The disease is 100% deadly in any species once the animal starts showing signs of disease.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners includes rabies as one of the core vaccines in their vaccination recommendations.

Veterinarians warn that if you see your horse seemingly choking, acting aggressively, or seeming to be neurologic, consider rabies as one of the possible diagnoses and work around the horse accordingly. Call your veterinarian immediately