Meddleton Equine Hospital

A Horse was diagnosed with Rabies this past week from Eddy County in Hope, New Mexico, between Roswell and Carlsbad. There have been several rabid skunks in the area. We strongly recommend vaccinating your horses for Rabies this fall.

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NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
August 18, 2011

Rabies Confirmed in a Horse from Eddy County
Fifth rabid animal in Eddy County this year

The New Mexico Department of Health is warning pet and livestock owners in Eddy County and the surrounding area to make sure their dogs, cats, horses, and other valuable livestock are vaccinated against rabies after an unvaccinated horse from a town near Artesia, New Mexico tested positive for the disease. The horse began showing signs of rabies two days before it was euthanized at a veterinary hospital.

Family members and veterinary staff were exposed to the rabid horse’s infectious saliva. Three people in New Mexico and several veterinary staff in Texas have been identified who will need to receive rabies vaccines to prevent them from developing rabies. “Individuals exposed to the horse will need to receive treatment to prevent them from developing the disease. Vaccination of animals, including dogs, cats, horses and valuable livestock, is one of the most effective public health tools we have to prevent humans from being exposed to rabies,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Catherine Torres.

Dr. Megin Nichols, one of the Department of Health’s public health veterinarians, noted that four skunks from Eddy County have been diagnosed with rabies this year. It is essential for pet owners to vaccinate their pets and to seek veterinary care if any of their pets become ill with the signs or symptoms consistent with rabies.

The following guidelines can help protect you and your family from rabies:

• Horse and livestock owners should consider vaccinating their animals against rabies.
• Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach, or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and keep a close eye on your kids at all times.
• If you see a sick or dead wild animal, or a wild animal acting abnormally in this area, report it to your local animal control authorities. Rabid animals may show no fear of people and may even seem friendly or become aggressive.
• Keep pets on a leash at all times. Pets should be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, call your pet’s veterinarian, even if the wound is minor.

If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal or a pet, The Department of Health recommends the following guidelines:

• Wash all wounds and contact areas thoroughly with soap and water.
• Contact your physician immediately for evaluation. The Department of Health is available to physicians for consultation about rabies at (505) 827-0006.
• Call the local animal control department to report the incident and provide the department with an accurate description of the animal.
• Try to keep the animal confined, but don’t risk further injury if the animal is dangerous.
• Keep children away from all animals involved in any incident.

For more information about rabies visit the Department of Health’s website at http://nmhealth.org/ERD/HealthData/rabies.shtml.