Rabies in goats: what to know

A rabid goat may develop a sudden personality change, agitation, aimless movement, unusual vocalisation, difficulty swallowing, drooling, weakness, or paralysis. A sick goat may also behave differently for other reasons, so signs alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Rabies virus is present in saliva. The important concern for a person is saliva entering a bite or scratch, broken skin, or the eyes, mouth, or nose. Casual proximity is not the same as this type of contact.

Keep children, visitors, pets, and livestock away. Avoid touching the goat's mouth, using your hands to give food or medicine, or trying to load it. From a safe distance, contact a veterinarian or animal-health authority and describe the behaviour and any known contact.

If saliva contacted a wound or mucous membrane, wash with soap and running water. Arrange prompt medical assessment and review [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) guidance with a clinician.

A bite, scratch, or saliva splash to the eyes, nose, or mouth needs urgent medical assessment. Share the time of contact, the site of any wound, and whether the goat can be evaluated safely. Do not delay human care while waiting for animal-health instructions.

Ask whether the event is a meaningful exposure, how to care for the wound, and whether follow-up doses or monitoring are needed. Ask the veterinary team whether [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/) is suitable for animals at risk.