Because rabies threatens both horses and the humans who handle them, the AAEP recommends rabies as one of four core vaccines every U.S. horse should receive. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department has confirmed the second positive rabies case in Southwest Nebraska for the year, this time in a horse from Chase County.

“Rabies in horses occurs with less frequency than in dogs or cats,” said Melissa Propp, RN, disease surveillance coordinator. “The only way to diagnose rabies is with a laboratory test performed after death. Because the horse’s symptoms may mimic other more common diseases, many people may be exposed to the infected horse while it is infectious. The best method to prevent human exposure is to ensure that horses, livestock and pets are protected against rabies with current vaccinations.”

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. It is transmitted via saliva, most commonly through bite wounds from an infected wild animal