Rabies outbreak discovered in Uruguayan cattle
A private veterinarian was informed of the presence of animals with neurological signs at the farm, in Cerro Largo, Sierras de Aceguá, on 5 March. No animals had already died, and samples were taken and sent to the official laboratory where the diagnosis of rabies was confirmed.
On 24 March the Official Veterinary Services (OVS) were informed of similar cases at two other farms in the same area. At one of the farms, 16 cattle were affected and, in the other, six cattle and one sheep.
The OVS is now identifying all susceptible animals within a 25km buffer zone of the area, as well as the shelters of vampire bat colonies.
Measures to contain the disease include movement control inside the country, control of wildlife reservoirs and vaccination in response to outbreaks.