Signs & Symptoms of Rabies in Cattle

Cows are generally gentle, docile animals, spending most days grazing in pastures or resting contently in small groups. However, dramatic changes in the personalities of these creatures may signify a health issue, such as rabies. A viral disease, when symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is certain to be fatal for whatever warm-blooded animal is infected.

Changes in cattle are generally dramatic and aggressive when it comes to this disease. Knowing what to look for when it comes to signs and symptoms of rabies in cattle may enable you to quarantine the diseased cow before it infects the remainder of the herd.

  1. Aggressive Personality

    • This is the most obvious sign of rabies in a cow. While they are generally docile animals, cows tend to become aggressive and physically dangerous when infected with the rabies virus. They may attack humans or other animals, including fellow cattle.

    Drooling

    • Excessive drooling is another symptom of rabies in a cow. Traces of saliva can be seen around the mouth and tend to be thick and foamy in appearance. The drooling may occur due to decreased throat function and an inability to swallow.

    Hypersensitivity

    • Cows infected with rabies can be hypersensitive, reacting violently or extremely to the slightest sounds or movement.

    Throat Paralysis

    • In some instances, rabies can cause the throat muscles to seize up, causing the cow to make a sound similar to choking. It may also sound like an odd bellowing. This is the beginning of paralysis through the body of the cow. This is a common form of transmission from cattle to humans, because humans may try to remove the perceived blockage in the throat of the cow, unaware that the problem is the rabies virus and not an obstruction.

    Despondency

    • Like many other illnesses, and rabies in particular, cows react by showcasing general symptoms of feeling unwell. The cattle may seem depressed and unwilling to socialize with the rest of the herd.

    Lack of Appetite

    • An additional sign of rabies in cattle is a lack of appetite. Infected cows may refuse to eat for days at a time.

    Excessive Sleeping

    • Cattle affected by the rabies virus may sleep for longer periods of time than usual. You may also find that they are sleeping at unusual times of the day or through normal feeding or herding times.