North Carolina State Veterinarian Doug Meckes, DVM, is encouraging horse and livestock owners in that state to consider having their animals vaccinated against rabies.

“This year we have seen five cases of rabies in livestock,” Meckes said. “Horses, cattle, and goats are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

North Carolina averages about five livestock rabies cases per year. It is transmitted primarily in saliva through a bite.

Affected horses generally start displaying clinical signs two to nine weeks post-infection, sometimes even longer. Early clinical signs typically are nonspecific and include depression, anorexia, and/or mild ataxia