BAHA Warns of Deadly Rabies Outbreak in Livestock

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has issued a warning to livestock owners and the public regarding an increase in paralytic rabies cases in horses and cattle. The bites of infected vampire bats transmit the disease. It carries symptoms such as nervousness and aggressiveness, excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth, eventually leading to the death of the animal. BAHA warns that the disease, which is transferable through saliva, is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans. BAHA’s Technical Director of Animal Health Dr. Roxanna Alvarez, says that even though the disease is a death sentence to animals, it is preventable through vaccination. 

The increase in cases has been identified in the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. Those in these districts are advised to ensure that their livestock and or house dogs and cats are vaccinated, keep their animals confined to their property, and refrain from leaving uncovered food or garbage that could attract wild animals. BAHA notes that Belize has not documented a case of rabies in humans in over 40 years./