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September 11, 2006

R.I. Health Dept. warns of rabid Tennessee horse

The Rhode Island Department of Health issued a statement this afternoon warning of a rabid horse named Bucky that was stabled in a Tennessee horse show late last month.

The Centers for Disease Control is notifying the 150,000 people who attended the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn., from Aug. 23 to Aug. 31.

"If persons were bitten or came in contact with saliva from this horse...they may have been exposed to rabies," reads the Rhode Island Health Department warning.

But "attending an event where a rabid animal was present, petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces of a rabid animal does not constitute a risk for transmission."

The horse in question was a 3-year-old gelding, creamy tan in color, with a black mane and tail. It is unclear how the animal was infected with the deadly disease. After rabies was confirmed, the horse was killed.

People with concerns are encouraged to contact the Tennessee Department of Health Public Information Line at (866) 355-6129.

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 1:17 PM | Permalink

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