Rabies Cases Increase

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture have issued a public advisory following a noticeable rise in paralytic rabies cases among horses and cattle. 

BAHA warns that paralytic rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans, primarily through the saliva of infected animals. Both domestic and wild animals can carry and spread the virus.

Farmers and the public are urged to exercise caution when handling sick animals. “Signs of rabies include changes in behavior, such as nervousness and aggressiveness, excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth, difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing, loss of appetite, circling, and eventually death,” BAHA stated in its advisory.

To reduce the risk of infection, authorities recommend vaccinating dogs, cats, and livestock through a licensed veterinarian and maintaining updated records; animals should be kept within property boundaries, and uncovered food or waste that may attract wildlife should be removed.

Suspected rabies cases should be reported immediately to BAHA’s Animal Health Department.