By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — OSA, Puntarenas – Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is facing a significant animal health crisis after the National Animal Health Service (Senasa) confirmed a fatal case of paralytic bovine rabies on a farm in Tagual de Osa. The death of one animal prompted an immediate and decisive response from authorities, who have activated emergency protocols to contain the deadly virus and prevent its spread to other livestock and potentially humans.
In a swift containment measure, Senasa has placed the entire affected farm under a strict quarantine. A herd of 26 animals is now under constant veterinary surveillance, with their movement completely restricted. This action aims to create a primary barrier against the disease while health officials assess the full scope of the potential outbreak. The quarantine represents a significant operational and financial challenge for the farm’s owner, highlighting the economic devastation that rabies can inflict on the agricultural sector.
Beyond the immediate veterinary and public health concerns, cases of bovine rabies trigger a complex series of legal responsibilities and potential liabilities for livestock owners. To clarify these issues, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Livestock owners must understand that a bovine rabies diagnosis is not just a veterinary issue; it’s a significant legal event. Proper documentation of vaccination protocols and immediate reporting to SENASA are not just best practices—they are crucial legal shields. Failure to comply can void insurance claims and expose the producer to civil liability for any damages or further spread of the disease, turning a tragic animal loss into a catastrophic financial one.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal dimension is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of livestock management. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification, which powerfully underscores that for a producer, proper documentation and reporting are as vital to their financial survival as the health of their herd.
An emergency vaccination campaign is already underway on the quarantined property. Senasa teams are administering vaccines to all remaining bovines to establish an epidemiological shield, a critical step in halting the virus’s transmission cycle. This immediate bio-security measure is designed to protect the surviving animals and prevent the farm from becoming a source of further infection for the surrounding region.
Given that rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, the response extends beyond animal welfare. Senasa has coordinated directly with the Ministry of Health to address the public health risk. As a precautionary measure, the Ministry has initiated a preventive vaccination protocol for all individuals who had direct contact with the infected livestock. This rapid inter-agency collaboration underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to safeguarding human life.
Paralytic bovine rabies is a fatal viral disease that relentlessly attacks the central nervous system of mammals. In Costa Rica, its primary vector is the hematophagous, or vampire, bat, which transmits the virus through its bite while feeding on cattle. The disease’s progression is irreversible once symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination the only viable defense for livestock producers.
Senasa officials are urging all cattle ranchers, especially those in the Southern Zone, to be vigilant for clinical signs of the disease. Key symptoms include motor incoordination and difficulty walking, excessive salivation, progressive paralysis of the limbs, and a characteristic twisting of the neck. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for rapid response and containment efforts.
Luis Mariano Arroyo Sánchez, the Coordinator of the Transboundary Diseases Program at Senasa, issued a direct appeal to the nation’s agricultural community, emphasizing the critical role of farmers in the national surveillance system.
Early notification of any animal with nervous symptoms is fundamental to preventing the spread of the disease.
Luis Mariano Arroyo Sánchez, Coordinator of the Transboundary Diseases Program at Senasa
This incident in Osa marks the second confirmed bovine rabies outbreak in Costa Rica during 2025. The first occurred earlier in the year in the province of Heredia, signaling a persistent threat across different geographical regions of the country. This pattern reinforces the official stance that routine, preventative vaccination of herds is not merely a recommendation but an essential business practice for protecting both animal assets and public health. Authorities continue to stress that vaccination remains the most effective and cost-efficient tool against the spread of rabies.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About Senasa (National Animal Health Service):
The Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (Senasa) is the official veterinary authority of Costa Rica, responsible for establishing and executing national policies related to animal health. Its mission is to prevent, control, and eradicate animal diseases to protect the country’s livestock, ensure the safety of food products of animal origin, and facilitate international trade. Senasa plays a critical role in public health by managing zoonotic diseases and implementing quarantine and vaccination programs.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About the Ministry of Health:
The Ministerio de Salud is the governing body for public health in Costa Rica. It is tasked with defining national health policies, managing public health services, and ensuring the well-being of the population. The Ministry oversees epidemiological surveillance, vaccination campaigns for humans, and coordinates with other governmental agencies like Senasa during zoonotic disease outbreaks to mitigate risks to the public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a deep-rooted history of advising clients across a multitude of industries to drive forward-thinking legal innovation and meaningful community involvement. This dedication culminates in a core mission to empower the public by making legal knowledge widely accessible, thereby fostering a more capable and informed society.
