Horse bitten by rabid dog in Kappad beach dies

Koyilandy: The ailing horse at the tourist centre in Kappad beach died on Sunday morning. The horse was undergoing treatment after it was bitten by a rabid dog on August 19. Following the incident, the horse was administered five doses of vaccine, and has been under observation for a long time. The horse was used for tourist rides even during the Onam season. However, the animal’s health deteriorated over the last few days resulting in death.     

The horse had developed symptoms of rabies of late. An epidemiologist from the district health department visited the horse the previous day to collect samples. Meanwhile, the veterinary surgeon has informed the horse owner and others who had been in close contact with the horse in recent times to undergo the procedures as per protocol.

The officials have informed that the horse will be taken to Kannur for postmortem. The rabid dog involved in the incident had also bitten a cow in the region. The horse during its last days struggled to eat or even drink water. The doctors advised the tourists who have taken a ride on the horse to report at the nearest health centres for taking up necessary precautionary measures.