Signs typically involve the hind end of the horse and may include paralysis of the limbs, bladder and rectum. The brain and brainstem may also be affected. These vaccines are labeled for the prevention of respiratory disease and abortion. The manufacturers do not make claims about the prevention of neurologic disease. The virus is transmitted through bite wounds by affected animals such as foxes, skunks and bats, though other mammals may transmit the virus.
Skunks remain as a reservoir of the virus.
The wildlife vaccination program of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has virtually eliminated rabies in foxes. The newest threat comes from the occurrence of 22 cases of raccoon rabies. Rabies is a rapidly progressing disease that is preventable by vaccination. Vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. An extensive control effort, by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, has been launched to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies.