Vaccine manufacturer Fort Dodge Animal Health recalled about 330,000 doses of rabies vaccine recently after a vaccinated dog became ill with rabies. Horses are not likely affected by the recall.

“It’s a product that’s labeled for equine, but based on the presentation size (size of dose bottles in the affected batch), it’s not typically used by equine veterinarians,” said Kelly Goss, communications manager for Fort Dodge Animal Health. “You’d have to draw two vials to equal a dose for a horse.

“The dog that contracted rabies did receive the rabies serial vaccine, and the veterinarians aren’t sure why the dog contracted it,” added Goss. “The primary reason a vaccinated animal contracts rabies is a poor immune response.”

Fort Dodge voluntarily recalled the problem batch and sent notices to veterinarians on May 25 notifying them of the situation. Batches with serial numbers issued close to the time of the affected lot were found to be free of problems. Goss said the veterinarians will be notifying clients whose pets received vaccinations from the problem batch, Rabvac3 TF serial number 873113A, so the owners can have their pets revaccinated for free