Rabies in Institutional Livestock: A Case Report  and Occupational Risk Assessment

Tinku Das; Jyoti B Dutta; Sushanta Goswami

Tinku Das PhD Scholar, Department of Veterinary Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India
Jyoti B Dutta Professor & Head, Department of Veterinary Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India https://orcid-org/0009-0006-1676-6520
Sushanta Goswami Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India https://orcid-org/0009-0006-1676-6520

Keywords: Occupational Risk, Rabies, Cow, LFA, DFA, Assam

Abstract

This report is about rabies in a cow maintained for research purposes in the Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, highlighting a significant occupational hazard for veterinary personnel. The cow, intended for experimental studies,
developed clinical signs consistent with rabies, including behavioral changes and progressive neurological deterioration, with no history of dog bite. Laboratory confirmation was obtained through Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) and Direct Fluorescent Antibody Assay (DFA), establishing rabies virus infection. This case underscores the risk of zoonotic disease exposure even in non-traditional settings, emphasizing the importance
of rigorous biosecurity measures, routine animal vaccination, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for veterinarians and advocates for comprehensive surveillance and enhanced occupational safety protocols in research environments to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission, thereby protecting both human health and animal welfare.

How to cite this article:
Das T, Dutta J B, Goswami S. Rabies in Institutional Livestock: A Case Report and Occupational Risk Assessment. APCRI J. 2025; 27(1): 23-27.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202504

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