A Lincoln County dairy farmer noticed one of his dairy cows appeared ill on Friday, December 27. His veterinarian examined the animal and immediately recognized the cow’s clinical signs, including the classic bellow, as a probable rabies case. The veterinarian was careful to have no exposure to the cow. The animal’s head was submitted for rabies testing and was confirmed positive on December 31.
There are multiple farm cats on the property with no history of rabies vaccination and two currently-vaccinated dogs. One of the dogs was sprayed by a skunk in early to mid-November.
The Minnesota Department of Health has advised the owner of the animal as well as his hired help to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to their exposure to the rabid cow’s saliva. Six other family members are also considering PEP.