Rabies under a microscope. Image found on wikimedia commons
By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
A pony in Lincoln has euthanized after it contracted rabies and the Rhode Island Department of Health is urging any residents who may have come into contact with it to get themselves checked.
The animal was put down on December 26 after the disease was discovered; officials said the pony was never vaccinated. Meanwhile, the DOH says it is trying to account for everyone who came into contact with the animal to minimize the spread of the illness.
Rabies is usually only found in the wild, however any animal, including humans, can contract it if they are not vaccinated. All household animals are required by law to be vaccinated, but livestock are exempt unless they are in public contact.
DOH officials remind Rhode Islanders to vaccinate their pets in order to prevent the spread of the illness.
