Two cases of rabies were recently discovered in horses in southeast Saskatchewan. 

There is only a short time period to treat rabies, and when symptoms are exhibited it is too late.  

“Southeast Saskatchewan definitely has a higher caseload of rabies across the board, whether it's in our wildlife population or in a dog or cat, and also in horses,” said Registered Veterinary Technologist with Prairie Animal Health Centre, Kristin Caldwell. “Horses are curious by nature, so they'll often end up nose to nose with a porcupine or raccoon or a skunk traveling through their pasture, and that's how they often come in contact with wildlife.” 

Caldwell said not only is it a concern for your horse, but it’s a human health concern as well. 

“It is definitely of a big concern to the owner because they're often handling their horse's mouth or putting bits in their horse’s mouth, and saliva is another way that we can encounter the rabies virus, and so it is really important to the human health that our animals are vaccinated against it.” 

Prairie Animal Health Centre is holding rabies vaccine clinics next week. It is taking place in Estevan on April 27, and in Weyburn on April 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

The vaccine is combined with West Nile, Tetanus, and Sleeping Sickness. 

Appointments are not required, but anyone interested is asked to call the clinic at 306-910-7242 to ensure they have enough vaccines on-hand.