agriculture

Rabies found in cattle

At least four cows have died from rabies detected at different points in the province of Coclé in recent months, laboratory tests have confirmed.

According to the regional director of the Ministry of Agricultural Development, Aurelio Tejeira, outbreaks have been detected in Churuquita Chiquita and Chorrerita in Penonomé, and El Potrero in La Pintada. Officials have vaccinated some 2,500 cows in those areas to prevent the spread of the disease.

He said that in all these places the ministry has held discussions with farmers and residents to educate them about how the disease can be prevented.

The Ministry of Health is coordinating efforts to vaccinate dogs in the area, as they are one of the ways the disease can be transmitted to humans.

According to Tejeira, it takes about 20 days for an outbreak of rabies to be contained, depending on how successful vaccination efforts are.