Southern MN Cow Test Positive For Rabies-9 People Being Treated

St. Paul, MN (MinnesotaNow) - Nine people are receiving treatments for rabies after testing confirmed that a cow at a southern Minnesota farm was infected with the rabies virus.

Rabies Confirmed in Brown County Cow

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the infected cow was part of a herd in Brown County. A news release says the owner noticed on September 1 that the heifer was behaving oddly, including lying flat with its head down.

9 People Treated For Possible Exposure

The state agency says a veterinarian observed the cow the same day, and the owner gave it oral medication using his bare hands. It was also reported that another veterinarian examined the cow the following day and also administered oral medication without wearing gloves.

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Cow Humanely Euthanized

According to the Board of Animal Health, a third veterinarian examined the animal on September 3 and noted that it had "uncoordinated hind legs, was high-stepping, vocalizing, hyper salivating, and had a high temperature." That's when the cow was humanely euthanized, and the head was sent to the Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory for testing.

“When we see livestock acting strangely, rabies may not be the first thing people think of to explain the behavior,” said Dr. Steve Kivisto, senior veterinarian leading the rabies program at the Board. “Given the severity of the disease, it’s better to assume an animal is infected until proven otherwise, and to be sure to take the proper precautions and use the correct personal protective equipment when working with a rabies suspect animal.”

Children Among Those Possibly Exposed

As a result of possible exposure to the infected cow, state health officials recommended that nine people be treated for rabies. The Board of Animal Health says they include the owner, the owner's daughter, two children, two veterinarians and three veterinary technicians.

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Dozens of Cows Quarantined or Under Observation

The Board of Animal Health also reported that 13 cows have been quarantined and more than 40 cattle are being kept under observation for rabies symptoms. The horse on the same farm and three dogs, which had all been vaccinated against rabies, are also under observation. Two unvaccinated barn cats were euthanized due to likely exposure to the infected cow.

Learn More About Rabies

For more information about the rabies virus and its symptoms, as well as steps that can be taken to decrease the risk of infection, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.