Outbreak of Bovine Rabies Reported in Cayo District

There is an outbreak of Bovine Rabies in the Cayo District. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority along with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Belize Livestock Producers, issued an advisory informing that livestock in the Cayo District is affected with the rabies and there are suspected cases in the areas along the Macal River.  The disease is expected to affect herds in the Belize River Valley. Livestock farmers are advised to vaccinate their cattle to halt the spread of the disease and are warned that the disease can be transmitted to humans if preventions are not undertaken. BAHA states that affected animals will show nervous signs and aggressive behavior and that most animals will show excessive salivation as swallowing becomes impossible. The public is asked to avoid coming in contact with animals showing these symptoms and to call BAHA officers to report any suspected cases.