A cow on a farm in southwest Livingston County tested positive for rabies, prompting two exposed farmers to begin preventive treatment and officials to recommend immediate vaccination of the affected herd.
The Livingston County Department of Health said laboratory testing confirmed the infection Monday. Officials said the animal was on a single farm, the general public is not at risk and there is no evidence of increased danger to livestock outside that property.
The two farmers are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis as a precaution. The county health department is coordinating its response with the Livingston County Board of Health and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
State agriculture officials recommended that the farm immediately vaccinate the rest of the herd to prevent additional infections. Local and state agencies are continuing to assess the case and determine whether other steps are needed.
Rabies attacks the central nervous system and can infect any mammal, including livestock. It is generally spread through saliva or nervous tissue from an infected animal, most often through a bite.
People may also be exposed when infectious material reaches a scratch, open wound, or the eyes, nose or mouth. County Medical Director Dr. Joan Flender said anyone who believes they had direct contact with the cow should contact the health department so officials can evaluate the circumstances.
Residents should not approach, handle or try to care for an animal suspected of having rabies. Anyone who may have been bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and promptly contact the county health department or a health care provider.
All possible rabies exposures should be reported to the Livingston County Department of Health. Questions may be directed to the department at 585-243-7280, and additional information is available through the county's environmental health webpage.
The county's next rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Babcock Park in Dansville. Appointments can be made through the rabies clinics section of the county website.
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