A second cow has tested positive for rabies on the same farm in southwestern Livingston County where another infected animal was identified earlier this week, county health officials said Thursday.
The Livingston County Department of Health said the second result was anticipated as part of the investigation into the first case. Officials said it does not expand the geographic area of concern, there are no other pending exposures and there is no evidence of increased risk to the general public.
People who may have had direct contact with the infected animals have been identified and are being evaluated by public health officials. Two farmers exposed in connection with the first cow previously began rabies post-exposure treatment as a precaution.
The county Health Department is working with the Livingston County Board of Health, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, veterinarians and the affected farm on disease-control measures and continued monitoring.
County Medical Director Dr. Joan Flender said the second positive animal was concerning but not unexpected given the circumstances of the investigation. Additional cases can occur within a herd after animals share a common source of exposure, officials said.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals. It is transmitted through saliva or nervous tissue, most commonly through a bite or when infectious material enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth.
State agriculture officials previously recommended that the farm vaccinate the rest of the herd. County and state agencies will continue surveillance and response activities as needed.
Residents should avoid contact with sick, injured or unusually behaving animals. Anyone who may have been exposed should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and promptly contact the county Health Department or a health care provider for an assessment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says rabies post-exposure treatment can prevent the disease when provided before symptoms begin. Treatment decisions are made after a public health risk assessment.
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.
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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