Cases of rabies in animals each year are common in our area and it is easy to get too complacent and not take the necessary precautions to protect our animals. This could result in possible human exposure cases. So for this year in Texas there have been 320 rabid animal cases reported.

This dreaded disease can spread easily and rapidly among wildlife and domestic animals. Rabies has been found this year in Texas in four horses and eight cows. Last year Texas recorded 937 confirmed cases of animal rabies including cows and horses.

We all know that bats and skunks make up the vast majority of rabies cases and most folks do vaccinate their dogs and cats. But what about our horses and even show cattle, especially the 4-H/FFA show cattle? Confusing symptoms can easily lead to horse/show cattle owners being exposed to the virus.  Annual rabies boosters for these animals, as well as pets, are the only sure way to minimize human exposure.

Heightened concerns and livestock vaccination should remain an option to help curb the spread of the disease. I do recommend contacting your veterinarian concerning vaccination of pets and some livestock for the rabies virus.