Uruguay: Rabies outbreak strike Cerro Largo farms, 25 animals dead
An outbreak of rabies has hit two farms in the Cerro Largo Department of Uruguay recently, according to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE).
Image/Agricultural Research Service/USDA
Doctor Carlos A. Correa Messuti, Delegado de Uruguay ante la OIE, UNIDAD DE ASUNTOS INTERNACIONALES, Dirección General de Servicios Ganaderos (DGSG) Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca (MGAP), MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay notified the OIE that the outbreak, that began Mar. 5, affected two mixed-farming holdings (cattle-sheep) and a beef cattle farm, killed 25 animals (24 cattle and one sheep).
According to the epidemiologic investigation, On 5 March, a private veterinarian was informed of the presence of animals with neurological signs in a livestock farm in Cerro Largo, 5th police section, Sierras de Aceguá. In this farm two animals had died with neurological signs. Samples were taken and sent to the official laboratory and the diagnosis of rabies was confirmed.
On 24 March, the Official Veterinary Services were informed of two other farms with animals with neurological signs in the same police section. In one of them, there were 16 cattle affected and in the other 6 cattle and a sheep. Samples were sent to the official laboratory and the diagnosis of rabies was confirmed.
The following measures have been taken in an effort to contain the outbreak– Control of wildlife reservoirs, movement control inside the country and vaccination in response to the outbreak (s).
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, principally mammals and including humans. The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals. It is generally transmitted by the bite of diseased animals – most commonly dogs and other carnivores. The incubation period is variable, from several weeks to several months, but once the symptoms appear the disease is always fatal, in animals as well as in humans.
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