Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system of mammals, spread by contact with saliva from an infected animal, usually through bites or scratches, abrasions, or open wounds in the skin. Domestic animals may become exposed during normal grazing or roaming. Sheep have symptoms similar to cattle, and sometimes vigorously pull their wool. Livestock and horse owners may decide to vaccinate their animals if they are often exposed to potentially rabid wild or domestic animals.
Generally, production animals, such as dairy cow herds and sheep flocks, are not vaccinated because the potential risks are usually lower than the annual costs of vaccination and because human contact with individual animals is low. Small groups of valuable purebred animals may be an exception. In recent years, a few states have required vaccination for rabies before an animal (including some livestock) can be exhibited publicly.