Rabies in cattle: what to know

An affected cow may show an abrupt change in behaviour, unusual agitation or fear, reduced awareness of people, difficulty swallowing, heavy drooling, weakness, or progressive paralysis. Signs can vary, and other illnesses can look similar, so do not try to confirm rabies by examining the animal yourself.

Rabies spreads through infected saliva, usually when it enters broken skin or the eyes, mouth, or nose. Touching an intact hide or being near a cow without contact with saliva is not the same as an exposure.

Keep people, children, pets, and other livestock away. Do not feed, restrain, transport, milk, slaughter, or handle a cow behaving strangely. Close off the area from a safe distance and contact a veterinarian or local animal-health authority for instructions.

If saliva may have touched broken skin or a mucous membrane, wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water. Do not wait for the cow's condition to change before seeking medical advice. Read about [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) and discuss whether treatment is needed.

Seek urgent medical assessment after a bite, scratch, or saliva contact with broken skin, the eyes, mouth, or nose. Tell the clinician what happened, when it happened, which body area was involved, and whether the animal can be safely identified and assessed. Do not capture the cow to obtain this information.

Ask whether the contact counts as a rabies exposure, whether wound care or post-exposure treatment is indicated, and what follow-up is required. For prevention, ask a veterinarian about [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/).