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Health officials warning livestock owners about danger, symptoms of rabies

OKLAHOMA CITY – Officials are warning livestock owners of the dangers associated with rabies.

When you think about protecting your animals from rabies, you might imagine shots for your dogs or cats.

However, officials with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry are warning livestock owners about the disease.

Rabies is usually spread through a bite, but patients can also be exposed through contact with saliva or nervous tissue.

In Oklahoma, the disease is more common in livestock, but may not always be recognized.

In carnivores, experts say you may notice aggressive behavior. However, the symptoms are much different in horses, cattle and other livestock.

In those cases, symptoms include loss of appetite, limb paralysis, abdominal straining or difficulty swallowing.

“As we move toward show season, Oklahoma youth will be having daily contact with livestock that are susceptible,” said Justin Roach, ODAFF staff veterinarian. “That’s why it is important for all owners to properly vaccinate their animals and prevent the spread of this disease.”
source : http://kfor.com