Probable rabies case report in a Kangayam bull in Udumalpet, India: Insights into rabies surveillance and control strategies in resource-limited settings

Abstract

A ten-month-old Kangayam bull calf was presented with the ailment of anorexia, frequent bellowing and hypersalivation for the past five days. On clinical examination, the animal was found to be more aggressive with erected ears, ataxic gait, hyperesthesia and lameness. Epidemiological investigations revealed that the animal was recently purchased from the local sandy. There was no known history of dog bites and no visible bite marks. Based on the characteristic signs, the animal was suspected of having a case of rabies and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and isolation procedures were instructed. The calf died on the second day of isolation, exhibiting progressive paralysis. Due to the lack of standard laboratories, the antemortem clinical index was adopted in the suspicion of probable rabies cases where rabies is endemic. This case highlights the need for public awareness of rabies prevention and a better understanding of the