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Horses Can Benefit from Postexposure Rabies ProtocolBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 7, 2011
Unvaccinated horses exposed to rabies through a bite or other contact with an infected animal may be saved by a postexposure rabies prophylaxis (PEP) protocol, according to Texas researchers. Over a 10-year period, veterinarians with the Zoonosis Control Office treated horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats that had been exposed to rabies by giving an immediate rabies vaccination and isolating each animal for 90 days. Booster vaccinations were given at three and eight weeks after the initial treatment. None of the exposed animals developed rabies.
Other factors such as the animal's health, immune status, and severity of exposure could influence whether or not an animal would become ill, and use of the PEP protocol is not meant to be a substitute for regular rabies vaccination in horses. Veterinarians can advise horse owners as to the need for rabies protection in various regions.
If unvaccinated horses are exposed to rabies, PEP treatment should be started as soon as possible. As time passes after exposure, the chance of warding off infection is greatly decreased. Regulations for treatment and isolation of animals exposed to rabies vary between states. Contact your local and state veterinarian for advice anytime that your horse may be exposed to rabies.
