Equine Rabies in Southern Colombia, 2024-2025

Rabies remains a fatal zoonotic disease of major public health and veterinary importance in Latin America. Although canine-mediated rabies has markedly declined in Colombia, sylvatic transmission persists in rural regions, and information on equine rabies in Putumayo is scarce. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, gross pathological, and surveillance characteristics of laboratory-confirmed equine rabies cases in Putumayo, southern Colombia, during 2024-2025. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using national surveillance data. Thirteen equids were identified during outbreak investigations. Five were classified as suspected cases, and all of them died; four were laboratory-confirmed. The remaining animals also died but were not reported to the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) for sample collection; however, they exhibited clinical signs consistent with rabies. Epidemiological and clinical variables, necropsy findings, and diagnostic timelines were analyzed. Laboratory confirmation was performed using direct immunofluorescence and histopathology. The four confirmed cases occurred in four separate outbreaks. All affected equines were unvaccinated and raised under extensive management systems. Progressive neurological deterioration led to 100% case fatality. Pathological findings consistently demonstrated central nervous system involvement. The median times from symptom onset to notification were 7.5 days, and from notification to laboratory diagnosis were 9.0 days. This study provides the first detailed characterization of equine rabies in Putumayo, consistent with sylvatic-origin rabies and highlighting gaps in preventive vaccination. Strengthening integrated surveillance and One Health strategies is essential to reduce the rabies burden.