The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) informs that paralytic rabies continues to affect cattle in the Cayo, Orange Walk, and Belize Districts. The disease is known to be transmitted by the vampire bat; therefore, humans, domestic animals, and wildlife are all susceptible.

Measures are being implemented in collaboration with the ministries of Health and Agriculture and the Belize Livestock Producers Association to prevent as well as control the disease. These measures also require assistance from the public. Cattle farmers, especially in the Belize District, are advised to vaccinate their cattle against rabies. All persons are advised against handling bats, foxes, and any other wildlife. Farmers should not go into caves, abandoned buildings, or rat bat roosting sites to try to control vampire bats as such acts expose them to the virus. The Ministry of Health reaffirms that prevention is better than cure.

Suppliers of the vaccine should not sell the vaccine unless it is packaged in proper containers to maintain the cold chain. Persons using the vaccine should not do so if two hours have passed since opening it. Cattle farmers are encouraged to vaccinate their young animals once they are three months of age.

The Ministry of Health and BAHA are vaccinating dogs and cats in all outbreak areas at designated vaccination sites. People are encouraged to ensure that their dogs and cats are current in their vaccination for rabies.