Rabies detected in southern Minnesota cow

Nine people recommended for post rabies exposure treatment

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirmed a cow in southern Minnesota has tested positive for rabies.

The Board of Animal Health stated rabies was found in a Hereford heifer located in Brown County, though the exact location of the animal or its owners is not being released.

Board of Animal Health Communication Director Michael Crusan said unless there is a threat to the wider population and wildlife, the board will only identify the county where the infection was identified. In this case, there is no risk of infection moving off the premise.

Board of Animal Health did confirm the owner of the cow first noticed symptoms in the cow on Sept. 1. The owner observed the heifer laying flat on the grown with its head down.

A veterinarian observed the animal the same day and the owner had administered oral medication with bare hands. Another veterinarian examined the animal the following day and also gave it oral medication without wearing gloves.

A third veterinarian examined the animal on Sept. 3 and noticed it had uncoordinated hind legs, was high-stepping, vocalizing, hyper-salivating and had a high temperature.

Since these symptoms match those of rabies, the animal was euthanized to perform a rabies test.

In order to test an animal for rabies, the animal’s brain must be examined. This test was conducted at the Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory. Brain tissue tested positive for the rabies virus on Sept. 8.

Public health officials have recommended that nine people who came in contact with the animal and is saliva seek rabies post-exposure prophylaxis as a preventative measure.

The board quarantined 13 other cows on the same farm so they can be monitored for rabies symptoms. More than 40 cattle on the property will also be watched for any signs of rabies symptoms.

A horse on the property was also possibly exposed, but is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations, along with three vaccinated dogs.

Two unvaccinated barn cats that were likely exposed to rabies were euthanized.

Once a domestic animal is exposed, it can take anywhere from two to 26 weeks for symptoms of rabies to develop, depending on the location of the bite and the amount of the virus that enters the body. Most domestic animals that show symptoms will die within three to 12 weeks.

Dr. Katie Cornille, senior veterinarian at the state Board of Animal Health, said symptoms of rabies infection could include any strange behavior that hinted at neurological damage. This could present as poor coordination, unusual vocalizations, difficulty in swallowing and hypersalivation.

The heifer that tested positive did exhibit most of this symptoms.

Cornille said rabies eventually travels to the brain, causing encephalopathy and eventually leading to death. Unfortunately, by the time an animal begins to show symptoms, it is already too late.

Cornille said there is a post-rabies exposure treatment for humans, but for animals, the procedure is to vaccinate.

The rabies virus is typically spread by bite or saliva. In Minnesota, the most common animals to spread rabies are skunks and bats. In this specific case, it is believed that a skunk was responsible for transmitting the virus to the cow.

Crusan said in this incident skunks were seen on the property and adjacent property around the time the infection was reported.

Cornille said most animals can contract rabies. In other parts of the country, foxes or raccoons might be the main spread of rabies. But in Minnesota, bats and skunks tend to be the main vector species.

"It is not common in cows," Cornille said. "That's why it is concerning, but it’s not unheard of for a cow to be infected."

Crusan said that according to the Board of Animal Health database, this recent incident is the first rabies detection in the state for 2026. The last time a cow tested positive for rabies in Minnesota was in 2024.

Cornille said rabies is something the public should be aware of, but warned against intense alarm. She recommended the public follow best practices. It is recommended that domesticated animals be vaccinated against the virus, which is mandated in many communities. She also recommended securing homes and barns from wildlife and keeping a safe distance from wildlife that are acting abnormal.

Anyone with concerns about a specific animal is encouraged to contact animal control.