First detection of rabies virus in encephalitic goats (Capra hircus) from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: a case study report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Effective surveillance is essential for detecting rabies virus (RABV) spillover into non-canid mammalian species, which represents an emerging concern for public and veterinary health. This report describes the first documented cases of dog associated rabies in goats in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia, highlighting the critical implications for veterinary and public health.

Case presentation

Two goats were reported to exhibit clinical signs consistent with rabies, including recumbency, hypersalivation, stiffness, dehydration, and episodes of pedalling movements and opisthotonos. Both animals experienced rapid clinical deterioration, leading to their death. The epidemiological investigation found that they had been in contact with a domestic dog displaying neurological

SUBMITTER: Wong KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12590585 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature