Can livestock (e.g., cattle, horses, sheep) contract rabies? What are their symptoms?

Can Livestock (Cattle, Horses, Sheep) Get Rabies? What Are the Symptoms?

Hello! Regarding this question, the answer is yes.

Yes, all mammals, including common livestock such as cattle, horses, and sheep, can contract rabies.

They are typically not the primary carriers of rabies but rather "victims." The transmission route mirrors that in humans—in the vast majority of cases, the virus enters their bodies through bite wounds from rabid wildlife (e.g., foxes, raccoons, bats) or stray dogs, subsequently attacking their nervous system.

Rabies symptoms in livestock may differ from the stereotypical "mad dog" image. The disease primarily manifests in two forms: the furious form (characterized by aggression and frenzy), and the paralytic/dumb form (marked by paralysis and quietness). In cattle, horses, and sheep, the paralytic form is notably more common.

Below is a brief overview of symptoms by species for clarity:

Rabies Symptoms in Cattle

Early signs are often subtle and easily mistaken for other illnesses.

Abnormal behavior: Initial signs may include depression, loss of appetite, and isolation from the herd.
Altered vocalization: Cows produce strange, hoarse, low-pitched moans and may bellow continuously in apparent distress.
Difficulty swallowing: A classic sign. Excessive drooling occurs, and they may appear to be "choking" on an obstruction, attempting to drink but unable to swallow. Veterinarians often strongly suspect rabies when observing this "apparent choking."
Aggression (furious form): Some cattle become extremely aggressive, violently bashing into walls, fences, humans, or other animals.
Paralysis (paralytic form): The more common outcome. Hind limb weakness progresses to unsteadiness, staggering, collapse, and death within days.

Rabies Symptoms in Horses

Horses, due to their size, become exceptionally dangerous if they develop the furious form.

Personality changes: Typically docile horses may become hyper-alert, agitated, or conversely, severely depressed and unresponsive.
Intense pruritus: They may frantically bite or rub the site of the original bite wound, causing significant self-injury.
Colic-like signs: Early symptoms can mimic abdominal pain (colic)—frequently looking at their flank, pawing, or rolling.
Aggression: Horses in the furious form may attack suddenly and violently, kicking or biting without warning.
Paralysis: As in cattle, paralysis is the terminal phase. Throat paralysis leads to difficulty swallowing and drooling, followed by limb paralysis, collapse, and death.

Rabies Symptoms in Sheep (Including Goats)

Symptoms resemble those in cattle.

Isolation and anxiety: Affected sheep leave the flock, exhibiting anxiety and fear.
Abnormal vocalization: Sheep's bleats become hoarse and unnatural.
Increased aggression: Rams, in particular, may become very combative, repeatedly butting objects or people.
Aberrant sexual behavior: Unusual signs, such as markedly increased libido, may occur.
Paralysis and death: The terminal stage involves difficulty swallowing, drooling, hind limb paralysis, collapse, and death.

Crucial Reminders

Do not approach! If your livestock (cattle, horse, or sheep) display any suspicious neurological symptoms—sudden behavior changes, aggression, drooling, paralysis—maintain distance immediately. Do not attempt to "comfort" or "treat" the animal.
Isolate and report immediately! If safely possible, isolate the suspect animal. Then, contact your local veterinarian and animal disease control authorities without delay. Rabies diagnosis and handling must be performed by professionals.
Rabies is fatal! Once symptoms appear, the disease is 100% fatal with no cure. While this is tragic for the animal, protecting human safety is paramount.

In summary, livestock with rabies exhibit profoundly abnormal behavior unlike their usual selves. Remember the key indicator: unusual behavior + neurological symptoms (aggression or paralysis) = high suspicion. The priority is maintaining distance and seeking professional help immediately.