Rabies Strikes Cattle in Agriculture Belt

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority says that paralytic rabies continues to affect cattle in the Cayo, Orange Walk and Belize Districts. The disease, which is transmitted by the vampire bat, can also put humans and domestic animals in the outbreak areas at risk. According to BAHA, a number of preventative and control measures are being implemented in the affected districts.  Farmers are advised to immunize their cattle, as young as three months old, against rabies using vaccines with cold chain intact.  In addition, cattle farmers are advised to refrain from handing wildlife such as bats and foxes and avoid the habitats of these creatures. Because domestic animals are susceptible to the rabies, the Ministry of Health and BAHA will be vaccinating dogs and cats in all outbreak areas at designated sites.