Michigan Horse Tests Positive for Rabies

By Melanie Huggett

A horse in Lapeer County, Michigan has tested positive for rabies, prompting officials to urge animal owners in the state to vaccinate their animals against the disease.

A quarantine of the farm that housed the positive horse has been issued, and six exposed people, including the horse's owner, trainer, and vet, are receiving rabies shots. No other people or animals are known to have been exposed at this time, but authorities are monitoring the property and will test any cats on the premises that show signs of the disease or have a recent history of biting.

This is the third case of rabies in Michigan in 2010, which include a skunk in St. Clair County, and a bat in Kent County.

State law requires all dogs and ferrets be vaccinated again rabies, but veterinarians are suggesting that all owners of pets and livestock vaccinate against the disease as they are also at risk.

"It is essential pet and livestock owners take steps to vaccinate against rabies and other diseases because of the possibility human exposure to the disease from interaction with infected horses, cattle, dogs, and cats," Michigan Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Steven Halstead, DVM, told The Horse. "By working with their veterinarian, owners can take significant steps toward providing a safe and healthy environment for their families and animals."


With files from The Horse and MLive.