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Equine Rabies

This disease is fatal and reportable, it cannot be cured or adequately treated and is expected to result in the death of the horse.

Rabies in horses is a fatal viral disease caused by the rabies virus, primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, commonly via bites. The virus infects the central nervous system, leading to progressive and irreversible neurological damage. Affected horses may initially exhibit vague symptoms such as fever, depression, and loss of appetite, which can rapidly progress to more severe signs including behavioral changes, aggression, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. Once clinical signs appear, rabies in horses is almost invariably fatal, making prompt vaccination and preventive measures critical for disease control. Additionally, due to the zoonotic nature of rabies, it poses a significant public health risk, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proper management of potentially rabid animals.

Symptoms

  • Lethargy
  • Circling
  • Partial or full paralysis
  • Dog-sitting
  • Seizures
  • Reluctant to move
  • Irregular Gait
  • Weakness
  • Balance issues
  • Lameness
  • Ataxia
  • Weak hind ends
  • Tilted Head
  • Excessive Salivation
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Teeth grinding
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Low Appetite
  • High Thirst
  • Incontinence
  • Fever
  • Aggression
  • Hyperreactivity
  • Vocal distress
  • Depression
  • Lustless
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Irritability
  • Stressed
  • Restless

Occurance

Rabies is present virtually worldwide, with few exceptions. It is endemic in many regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. However, there are some areas that are considered rabies-free due to successful vaccination and control programs. For instance, countries such as Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, and several island nations are considered rabies-free.

However, even in regions where rabies is considered rare or eliminated, there is still a risk of reintroduction through infected animals traveling or being imported from endemic areas.

Treatment

Once the rabies infection occurs, there’s no effective treatment.

Euthanasia is the most humane solution to keep the horse from pain and stop the infection from potentially spreading.

Prevention

Rabies can be prevented through yearly vaccinations.

Broodmares should be vaccinated 4–6 weeks before foaling. Foals from vaccinated mares should be vaccinated at 6 and 7 months old and again at 12 months.

Foals from unvaccinated mares should be vaccinated at 3, 4, and 12 months.

All adult horses should be vaccinated annually.

Extra precautions that can be taken, are chainlink/chickenwire fencing around the pasture fence to keep wildlife out.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Happie Horse App digitale Gesundheitsakte

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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