Rabies Prevention: Why Oklahoma pet and livestock owners must vaccinate

Veterinarian Dr. Rebekah Hartfield is urging pet owners and livestock producers to stay vigilant about rabies prevention following recent cases in Oklahoma.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. The virus is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, with saliva carrying the infection.

According to Hartfield, “It affects all mammals, so most often we do see this in wild animals like skunks, raccoons, bats or even coyotes.”

Rabies Cases Still Found Across the State

Hartfield shared a recent map that illustrates rabies remains widespread across the U.S. and still appears in both urban and rural parts of Oklahoma. Earlier this year, several horses and goats in the state were quarantined after exposure to the virus.

“This map just really makes you a little more hyper aware of—it is here and the importance of vaccinating our pets,” Hartfield said.

Image Provided By: Oklahoma State University

Recognizing the Symptoms

Signs of rabies in animals include sudden behavioral changes, such as unexplained aggression, lethargy, drooling or foaming at the mouth, paralysis, or seizures.

Hartfield recalled one particularly memorable case involving a show heifer that appeared normal at first but quickly deteriorated within hours. The heifer became aggressive and vocal before testing confirmed it had rabies.

Vaccination Is the Best Defense

Rabies is fatal in animals and potentially deadly in humans, which is why prevention through vaccination is key. Oklahoma law requires pets to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

“If your pet, say your dog, bites another animal, then your pet is going to have to go under quarantine,” Hartfield explained. She noted that only veterinarian-administered vaccines meet legal requirements.

More information about rabies prevention and veterinary services is available at doctorhartfield.com.