The rabies virus attacks the nervous system. Signs of the disease are variable and can mimic the signs of other diseases. Horses may show weakness, incoordination, salivation, lameness, colic and or fever. They are rarely aggressive. There is no treatment and it is always fatal.
Many horses appear to have something wrong with their mouths or throats when infected.
They will salivate excessively. If you suspect that your horse has been bitten by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian right away. Prevention of rabies is by annual vaccination with a vaccine licensed for use in horses, beginning at three months of age. Vaccines contain a killed form of the virus, and appear to be safe and effective. Many owners fear that the vaccine could cause rabies in the horse, but this is not the case with current vaccines on the market.