First Recorded Rabies-Positive White-Tailed Deer in Minnesota

By CnAgri2012-11-02 19:46:21 Print

A Mower County property owner came across a white-tailed deer in a shallow creek near his property. The deer was lying partially in the creek, was very weak, and had bloody foam coming from its nose and mouth. It could barely move its legs and was unable to keep its head erect. The individual who found the deer was concerned it may drown if left in the creek, so he decided to move it out of the creek. The deer died soon after it was discovered. The carcass was submitted for a necropsy to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Oct. 15. The necropsy revealed rabies was the cause of death.

The DNR has reported that this is the first cervid in Minnesota to receive a positive laboratory diagnosis of rabies in recorded history. DNR Wildlife Veterinarian Erika Butler says, "It is important to remember that wildlife should not be handled, whether sick or apparently healthy."

For questions on rabies exposure to domestic animals call 651-296-2942. For questions on rabies exposure to wild animals call the Department of Natural Resources at 651-296-2662. If you have questions on rabies in people, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414.

A map of rabies-positive cases in Minnesota is available on the Board's website at www.bah.state.mn.us and click on 'Rabies' under the 'Quick Links' at the top of the page.