A Horse Diagnosed With Rabies.

Veterinary Medical Center

A horse residing in Harrington, Delaware near the Maryland border has been diagnosed with rabies today. Prior to euthanasia, the horse was displaying abnormal behavior including: aggression toward humans & other horses, staggering, circling, & abnormal vocalization. Neither this horse nor his pasturemates were up to date on their rabies vaccine. The Delaware State Veterinarian & the Department of Public Health are involved with quarantine of the remaining animals & post-exposure treatment of the owners.

Rabies is endemic in our area & is carried by various wildlife species such as raccoons, bats, skunks, & foxes. An obvious bite wound is not always visible when a horse is exposed to a rabid animal. It can take months for a horse to exhibit signs.

Although the rabies vaccine is effective, protection wanes after a year. IF YOUR HORSE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RABIES VACCINE WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, HE NEEDS ONE!