Page 22 - June Newsletter

BE AWARE OF CATTLE RABIES
BE AWARE OF CATTLE RABIES
By Kelsi Luman & Sandy Johnson
Over the last nine years, there have been 17 cases of bovine rabies in Kansas (See map above).
In several of those years, cattle were the most common domestic species diagnosed with rabies
in our state.
Any bovine observed to have neurologic problems: head pressing, constant vocalization,
choking, staggering, etc., should be considered rabid until other diseases are ruled out.
Human infection occurs through a rabid animal bite or saliva contamination of an open wound.
Several cases of human exposure have occurred when producers have attempted to relieve an
apparent choke or while attempting to force-feed a rabid animal.
The number of human-bovine hands-on interactions is greater in herds who participate in
livestock shows. Because of the heightened interactions and that bovine rabies is relatively
common in Kansas, we recommend that all show cattle be vaccinated against this disease.
Rabies vaccines are one of the least expensive and most clinically effective vaccines available in
veterinary medicine.
In Kansas, a licensed veterinarian must administer this vaccine. Please contact your veterinarian
to schedule a time to have your show animals vaccinated before the show season starts this
year.