Rabies Cluster Among Steers on a Dairy Farm - Minnesota, 2024

Rabies clusters in domestic livestock are rare but can result in human exposure and economic loss for farmers. During a 4-week period in May 2024, five of 35 steers on a Minnesota dairy farm developed neurologic signs consistent with rabies. Three clinically ill steers were euthanized, and brain specimens were submitted for rabies testing. Direct fluorescent antibody testing and whole genome sequencing confirmed rabies virus (North Central Skunk variant) in all three steers. After identification of the first two rabid steers, the remaining animals were quarantined for 120 days and vaccinated against rabies; three additional steers became ill during quarantine and were euthanized. The Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Board of Animal Health investigated human and animal exposures through interviews and site visits. Five persons were recommended to receive rabies postexposure prophylaxis because of known or potential exposures. The outbreak likely resulted from a single rabid skunk biting multiple cattle housed in a small pen, although steer-to-steer transmission cannot be ruled out. In addition to the loss of livestock, direct medical and veterinary costs associated with this outbreak totaled approximately $35,000. Preventive vaccination of cattle should be considered in areas with high activity of terrestrial rabies (i.e., rabies in land-based animals), presence of high-value livestock, and potential for human exposure.