Rabies vaccination is considered a core vaccine by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, according to Dr. Craig Barnett, Merck Animal Health. The importance of vaccinating companion animals, including horses, against rabies cannot be overemphasized. One of the scariest things about the disease is that it is one of the hardest to recognize in horses. If a horse contracts rabies there is no second chance.
Source: Equisearch, October 2017.
Due to the serious threat for human exposure when handling a horse with rabies, any suspected case of equine rabies should be handled as if it were positive until proven otherwise. A person may become infected with the rabies virus through contact with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from a rabid animal.
INSIGHTS: It is important for animal health pros to discuss rabies with equine owners. Consider this article for social media posts, websites and materials used when communicating with horse owner groups, especially equine youth organizations.