Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Over the last nine years, there have been 17 cases of bovine rabies in Kansas (See map below). In several of those years, cattle were the most common domestic species diagnosed with rabies in our state. Any bovine observed to have neurologic problems: head pressing, constant vocalization, choking, staggering, etc. should be considered rabid until other diseases are ruled out.
Human infection occurs through a rabid-animal bite or saliva contamination of an open wound. Several cases of human exposure have occurred when producers have attempted to relieve an apparent choke or while attempting to force feed a rabid animal.
The number of human-bovine hands-on interactions is greater in herds who participate in livestock shows. Because of the heightened interactions and that bovine rabies is relatively common in Kansas, we recommend that all show cattle be vaccinated against this disease.
Rabies vaccines are one of the least expensive and most clinically effective vaccines available in veterinary medicine. In Kansas, a licensed veterinarian must administer this vaccine. Please contact your veterinarian to schedule a time to have your show animals vaccinated before the show season starts this year.
Confirmed Bovine Rabies in Kansas: 2016-2025 by Zip Code
Some locales contained multiple cases as reflected by bubble size.