Rabies in Livestock

     On December 7, 2016, a veterinarian from the  Dunnville Veterinary Clinic was called to a farm in Canfield, ON, at the request of OMAFRA, to investigate the case of a llama that became acutely aggressive and attacked the farmer and farm dog.  This animal tested positive for Rabies.  Animals infected by Rabies can exhibit an aggressive syndrome (furious Rabies) or a paralytic syndrome (dumb Rabies).  In the aggressive form, the animal becomes aggressive,  attacking pen mates, offspring, people, themselves and objects (such as fences, troughs, etc.).  They may also bite or chew foreign objects.  Vocalization, bloat, itchiness, muscle tremors and excessive activity can also occur.   This progresses to recumbency (lying down),  convulsions, coma, and death in 1-4 days.  In the paralytic form, animals stop eating, become depressed, circle,  have increased salivation, muscle paralysis (especially in the face) and paralysis of the throat.

   Rabies is a zoonotic disease meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.  The responding veterinarian and three occupants of the farm were treated for Rabies exposure.  The  Rabies virus is contracted through wounds or by direct contact with mucosal surfaces such as the mouth or nose.  Humans may exhibit either the furious or the paralytic form, with the furious form accounting for approximately 80% of cases.  Untreated  Rabies in humans is FATAL.

   Due to this being a Public Health Concern,  at this time we are recommending all livestock (including barn cats and dogs) with any contact with wildlife be vaccinated for Rabies.  Rabies vaccines can only be administered by a veterinarian.  If you have any questions concerning Rabies, please contact us at Dunnville Veterinary Clinic.  

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