Rabies is a viral disease that affects all mammals, including humans. A bite from a rabid animal causes severe nervous system disease. It is a fatal condition, with deaths occurring once clinical signs develop. The disease can affect all farm animals including large livestock and dogs.
As previously published by Irish Farmers’ Journal, the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) said it has evidence of exposure to lyssavirus in a sable (a species of marten), which had been imported into Ireland as a pet. The Lyssavirus includes the rabies virus traditionally associated with that disease.
Causes of rabies in cattle
The most common way for cattle to become infected with the virus is to receive a bite from a rabid dog or wild animal such as a fox, badger or bat. Transmission is mainly carried through saliva, which then spreads through the bloodstream via the spinal chord and on to the brain, where the clinical signs may then been seen in cattle. However, any transfer of saliva from one cow to another could spread the disease.There can be an incubation period of three to 12 weeks before cattle show clinical signs.
Spot the signs
Final stages of clinical signs
If rabies is suspected in an animal in Ireland
DAFM advice if you are bitten by a rabid animal.
If you suspect the dog has rabies, it has a history of recent travel or import, or its history is unknown:
- Isolate the animal if it is safe to do so (or note what the animal looks like).
- Contact your local dog warden or An Garda Síochána.
Rabies alert issued by Department of Agriculture