Be aware of cattle rabies

Any bovine observed to have neurological problems should be considered rabid until other diseases are ruled out. There have been 17 cases of bovine rabies in Kansas over the past nine years.

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Around Town

May 19, 2025 - 2:12 PM

This map shows confirmed bovine rabies cases in Kansas, by zip code, for the years 2016-2025. Some locales contained multiple cases as reflected by bubble size. Note, the big circle east of Wichita is in Greenwood County, touching the outer edge of the Southwind District. Courtesy photo

Over the last nine years, there have been 17 cases of bovine rabies in Kansas. In several of those years, cattle were the most common domestic species diagnosed with rabies in our state. Any bovine observed to have neurological problems — head pressing, constant vocalization, choking, staggering, etc. — should be considered rabid until other diseases are ruled out.

Human infection occurs through a rabid-animal bite or saliva contamination of an open wound. Several cases of human exposure have occurred when producers have attempted to relieve an apparent choke or while…

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