Kentucky Equine Rabies Case Confirmed

On July 28, a horse in Garrard County was confirmed positive for rabies.  A summary of the available information is as follows:

Patient – A 24 year old quarter horse gelding was presented at a veterinary clinic on Friday, July 25.  The horse had no history of rabies vaccination.  The owner advised he had previously noticed the horse was not eating and was losing weight. On approximately July 23, the horse was observed head pressing and biting inanimate objects. He progressively worsened, appearing to be uncomfortable and in obvious pain. While being transported to the veterinary clinic, the horse chewed up the trailer’s window by biting and pulling.

At the veterinary clinic the horse was found to be very neurologic, appeared agitated and aggressive. The horse was euthanized on July 25. The carcass was transported to the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (UKVDL). The brain was submitted through the UKVDL on July 26 to the State Public Health Laboratory, where the diagnosis of rabies was confirmed.

Two other horses residing on the premises have been placed under a Kentucky Department of Agriculture quarantine. The Kentucky Department of Public Health is investigating and managing human exposures.

Horse owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian regarding vaccinating their horses against this fatal disease. For more information about rabies and vaccination guidelines, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners website.