Rabies Confirmed in Lea County Horse
Department of Health Reminds Public To Vaccinate Animals

The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Livestock Board reported that a horse from Lea County tested positive for rabies, and three people who were potentially exposed to the infected horse are receiving rabies vaccine to prevent them from developing the deadly viral disease. Rabies is a fatal disease if it is not treated before symptoms develop. The Department of Health and Livestock Board would like to remind people that it is important to vaccinate their animals to protect them from rabies. “This should serve as a wakeup call to people who keep horses and other livestock, that there are wild animals in the area infected with rabies, most likely skunks,” said Dr. Dave Fly, deputy state veterinarian with the New Mexico Livestock Board. “Owners of valuable livestock should consult with their veterinarian about protecting these animals by giving them rabies vaccine.” The horse began behaving abnormally last week and then became very aggressive before it died. Tissue samples sent in by a local veterinarian tested positive for rabies at the Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory Division. Other livestock on the ranch that were exposed to the horse will be given rabies vaccine and quarantined for six months. According to residents in the area, wild skunks have been attacking livestock for several weeks. “Since pet dogs and cats that roam and hunt can come into contact with rabid animals and potentially transmit it to people, it is also very important to make sure all dogs and cats have current rabies vaccinations,” said Dr. Paul Ettestad, state public health veterinarian at the Department of Health....