Rabies in Horses

Rabies is not as common in horses as it is in some other species of animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, horses account for less than 1% percent of all confirmed rabies cases in the United States each year. However, the disease can affect horses and is invariably fatal within a few days after the horse shows the first signs.

A horse with rabies might exhibit any of the typical signs of neurologic disease (incoordination, stupor, hyperexcitability, aggression, circling) but could also develop colic, inappetence, lameness, unusual vocalizations, and other abnormal behaviors.

Rabies can be spread to a horse by a bite from an infected animal. The bite might not be noticed by the owner, and several months can elapse between the time the horse is bitten and when the first signs of illness appear.

Any horse showing neurologic signs or unusual behavior should be examined by a veterinarian. If rabies is suspected, the horse should be quarantined for several days and owners should avoid physical contact with the horse. There is no blood test for rabies, and the only certain way to diagnose the infection is to perform a microscopic examination of the animal’s brain tissue.

Horses can be protected against rabies with a series of two initial vaccinations beginning when foals are 3-6 six months old, depending on the mare’s vaccination history. Immunity is supported by yearly booster vaccinations. Rabies is listed as one of the AAEP’s recommended core vaccinations for all horses in all locations in the U.S.