Overview
- The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed the diagnosis after the horse died this week in Coffee County.
- The animal declined over about 72 hours with neurologic and behavioral symptoms, including self-injury and loss of appetite.
- Samples were collected at the J.B. Taylor Diagnostic Laboratory in Elba and confirmation came from ADPH’s Bureau of Clinical Laboratories in Mobile.
- The owner, family members, and a neighbor who were exposed have begun rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Unvaccinated horses on the property are under observation, and State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones urged annual rabies vaccination as ADPH advised precautions around wildlife and prompt reporting of exposures.